Baked Orange Roughy

Baked orange roughy yields moist, tender, and ultra flakey results with the help of some butter, smoked paprika, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.

Why this recipe works

Orange roughy is a mild flavored fish that is flakey and moist when baked properly. Thanks to its mild, non-fishy taste, the seasonings you use on it will ramp up the flavor profile – and it doesn’t take much more than a few simple spices from the cupboard to make this fish taste even more delicious!

Orange roughy is a pleasant switch up from the usual salmon we enjoy. You can even use the cream sauce from our baked salmon recipe to drizzle on top for further flavor.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

FISH – Orange roughy can be found at the grocery store, but you’ll likely find it behind the seafood counter at a larger grocer. Buying it locally from fish markets may be your best bet as this is considered a specialty fish. You can use frozen roughy if that is all you can find, just be sure you allow it to thaw completely before beginning so the seasonings can stick. You may want to gently press excess moisture from the thawed fish, but not too much! You don’t want to dry it out, just remove excess surface moisture.

How to Make Baked Orange Roughy

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray or rub with olive oil.
3. Rinse and pat dry orange roughy filets.
4. Brush melted butter onto fish filets.
5. Season with paprika, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.
6. Place seasoned filets on foil lined baking sheet.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of your filets, ours were on the chubbier side).

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Orange roughy is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145F on an instant read thermometer that has been inserted into the thickest part of the fish. It will look golden brown and will flake easily when done.

This fish is best served right away, but if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked orange roughy with a side of rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, steamed or grilled vegetables, or a nice dinner salad. You can never go wrong with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy warm from the oven. ’s rosemary cream sauce or his homemade tartar sauce are both great with this.

More Fish Recipes

• Fish Cakes
• Fish Chowder
• Beer Battered Fish
• Cedar Plank Salmon
• Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
• Dungeness Crab Legs

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