Easy Lemon Butter Baked Paddlefish Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered, "are paddlefish good to eat?", this Easy Lemon Butter Baked Paddlefish Recipe is your answer. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy parents who want to create a meal that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort. This baked fish recipe highlights the mild, rich flavor of paddlefish with a zesty lemon butter topping that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

I’ve written this baked fish recipe with home cooks in mind, using straightforward steps and ingredients you likely already have. Paddlefish is often an underrated catch, where people only think of the caviar. Yet with the right preparation, it transforms into a dish worthy of center stage.

Snagging A Paddlefish

There's nothing quite like snagging a paddlefish from the waters of western North Dakota. These prehistoric giants, known for their unique, spoon-shaped snouts, can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. For many anglers, catching a paddlefish is a true badge of honor.

It was May 1, 2023 and I had driven 7 hours from Fargo to join hundreds of men and women who lined the shores near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers just outside of Williston, North Dakota.

I used an 8-foot snagging rod with 85-pound test line to make cast after cast, yanking a heavy lead 5-ounce weight and large treble hook through the water. It was exhausting! After 12 hours of trying on day 1, and 8 hours of trying on day 2, I finally caught a 45-pound fish to take home for dinner.

How To Clean A Paddlefish

In order to clean my 56-inch long paddlefish, I laid it on the tailgate of my pickup truck. I used my favorite fillet knife to gut the fish. It's at this point that you will want to try to save any eggs to make caviar. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own paddlefish caviar.

There is also is a great YouTube video on "How to Clean and Cook a Paddlefish" that shows you how to remove the notochord.

Why You'll Love This Paddlefish Recipe

• Paddlefish is Delicious: This recipe easily answers the question, "are paddlefish good to eat?"
• Quick and Easy: This American Paddlefish recipe comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavor of paddlefish appeals to both kids and adults.
• Impressive Yet Simple: With minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
• Versatile: Pair this lemon butter baked fish with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious American Paddlefish Recipe:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds paddlefish fillets
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon, zested and sliced

These simple ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful dish.

How to Make Easy Lemon Butter Baked American Paddlefish

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil.

2. Prepare the fish: Pat the paddlefish fillets dry with a paper towel. Lay them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season the fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.

3. Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.

4. Add the lemon butter topping: Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the fish. Lay lemon slices on top of the fillets.

5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips For Perfectly Cook Paddlefish

• Use Fresh Fish: Fresher paddlefish fillets yield the best results. If frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Fish can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure moist, flaky results.
• Customize the Seasoning: While this recipe shines with paprika and oregano, you can experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.

What To Serve With Lemon Butter Baked Paddlefish

This baked fish recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the fish over a bed of fluffy grains for a satisfying meal.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the butter sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up any leftover lemon butter sauce from the dish.

Are Paddlefish Good To Eat?

This recipe is my best answer to those who ask the question, "are paddlefish good to eat?" Look at the photo! Doesn't that look delicious!

Paddlefish is often overlooked, but its firm texture and mild flavor make it a fantastic choice for baked fish dishes like this one. It’s easy to cook and pairs well with a variety of seasonings. If you’ve snagged your own paddlefish, here are a few more paddlefish recipes that are a perfect way to showcase your hard work on lugging one in:

• How to Smoke Fish
• Lahori Fish
• Mediterranean Fish Salad
• Crispy Coconut Crusted Fish

Come Catch A Paddlefish In North Dakota

If you are headed our way to catch a paddlefish in North Dakota, get all the information you need on season dates and regulations here at the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website.

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE

If you make this Easy Lemon Butter Baked Fish Recipe, tag @wildgameandfish so I can share it on my Instagram stories.

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