Tasty Fish & Potatoes

Tasty Fish & Potatoes is a simple, comforting dinner featuring flaky, tender fish with golden, crispy potatoes and a delicious blend of herbs and seasonings. The fish is lightly seasoned and pan-seared until beautifully golden, while the potatoes are roasted until crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Finished with fresh lemon juice and herbs, this easy meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Fish

4 white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Potatoes

1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Extra melted butter
Tartar sauce or garlic sauce, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. If using larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.

Place the potatoes in a large bowl.

Add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated.

2. Roast the Potatoes

Spread the potatoes on a large baking sheet in a single layer.

Place the cut sides down against the baking sheet whenever possible. This helps create beautifully browned, crispy edges.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through cooking.

If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes of roasting.

The potatoes should be golden and crisp outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside.

3. Prepare the Fish

While the potatoes are roasting, pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps the fish develop a better golden crust.

Season both sides with paprika, dried parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

4. Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Mix well and set aside.

5. Cook the Fish

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick or heavy skillet over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fish fillets into the pan.

Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Avoid moving the fish around too much while it cooks. Allowing it to remain undisturbed helps create a golden crust.

6. Add the Garlic Butter

During the final minute of cooking, reduce the heat slightly and pour the garlic-butter mixture over the fish.

Gently spoon the melted butter and garlic over the fillets.

The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.

7. Finish the Potatoes

Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh parsley.

Give them a gentle toss.

For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of melted butter or fresh lemon juice over the potatoes.

8. Serve

Arrange the crispy potatoes on plates and place a golden fish fillet alongside them.

Add fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the potatoes are crispy.

Tips for Perfect Fish

Pat the fish dry: Excess moisture can prevent the fish from browning properly.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Too many fillets can lower the temperature and cause the fish to steam.

Use medium heat: Very high heat can burn the outside before the fish is cooked through.

Don’t overcook: Fish becomes dry when cooked for too long. Remove it as soon as it flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).

Choose firm white fish: Cod, haddock, pollock, and tilapia all work well with this recipe.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

For especially crispy potatoes, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 15–20 minutes, then drain and dry them very thoroughly before seasoning.

Make sure the potatoes aren’t crowded on the baking sheet. Space between them allows hot air to circulate and helps them roast instead of steam.

Using a preheated baking sheet can also help create a crispier bottom.

Air Fryer Method

You can make the potatoes in an air fryer for an even crispier finish.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the seasoned potatoes for approximately 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For the fish, lightly spray or brush the seasoned fillets with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness.

Check that the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Oven-Baked Fish Option

If you prefer not to pan-fry the fish, place the seasoned fillets on a lightly greased baking dish.

Brush them with the garlic-butter mixture and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness.

The fish should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork.

What to Serve With Fish & Potatoes

This meal is delicious with:

Fresh green salad
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Roasted carrots
Coleslaw
Garlic bread
Tartar sauce
Creamy garlic sauce
Fresh lemon wedges

Storage

Store leftover fish and potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the potatoes in an oven or air fryer to help restore their crispiness. Reheat the fish gently until warmed through to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is best for this recipe?

Cod is an excellent choice because it has a mild flavor and flaky texture. Haddock, pollock, tilapia, and other firm white fish also work well.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes. Thaw frozen fish completely in the refrigerator and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use regular potatoes?

Absolutely. Russet, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes can all be used. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes. Simply replace the butter with additional olive oil. The fish will still be flavorful and moist.

How do I know when the fish is done?

The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C), and the fish should appear opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Category: Dinner

Tasty Fish & Potatoes is an easy, satisfying meal with flaky garlic-lemon fish and crispy golden potatoes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve when you’re entertaining guests.