Haddock is a versatile, lean white fish that's a favourite in many Canadian kitchens. Whether you live near the Atlantic coast or you’re shopping for sustainable frozen fillets inland, haddock is an affordable, nutritious, and delicious option that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. Mild in flavour and firm in texture, it’s ideal for baking, frying, grilling, or steaming.
If you're looking for the best haddock recipe ideas to elevate your seafood game, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share five mouth-watering haddock recipes that are easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with flavour. Plus, each recipe uses ingredients you can find in your local store.
1. Classic Baked Haddock with Lemon and Herbs
Perfect for: A light, healthy dinner with minimal prep
Ingredients:
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4 haddock fillets
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the haddock fillets on a lightly greased baking dish.
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Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Serve with a side of steamed veggies and rice or a fresh garden salad.
Why it works: This recipe keeps things simple and lets the flavour of the fish shine. It’s low in calories but rich in protein, making it a great option for health-conscious home cooks.
2. Crispy Beer-Battered Haddock (East Coast Style)
Perfect for: A Friday night fish and chips feast
Ingredients:
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4 haddock fillets
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup cold Canadian beer (lager or pale ale)
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1 tsp baking powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Vegetable oil for frying
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Optional: lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold beer to form a batter.
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Pat the haddock dry and lightly dust with flour before dipping into the batter.
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Carefully lower the fillets into the hot oil and fry for 4–6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels and serve with fries, lemon wedges, and classic tartar sauce.
Why it works: This recipe is inspired by Maritime fish and chips shops, offering the ultimate comfort food experience with a satisfying crunch and flaky interior.
3. Haddock Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Perfect for: Taco Tuesday or a casual get-together
Ingredients:
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4 haddock fillets, cut into strips
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the slaw:
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2 cups shredded cabbage
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Mix paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then rub onto haddock pieces.
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook fish for 3–4 minutes per side.
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In a bowl, mix slaw ingredients until combined.
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Warm tortillas, add a spoonful of slaw, top with haddock, and garnish with extra lime and cilantro.
Why it works: These tacos are fresh, zesty, and perfect for a family dinner or weekend party. The fish seasoning adds just the right amount of smokiness.
4. Haddock Chowder – East Coast Comfort in a Bowl
Perfect for: cozy lunch
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp butter
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1 onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 cups diced potatoes
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3 cups fish or vegetable broth
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1 lb haddock fillets, cut into chunks
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1 cup milk or cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
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Add potatoes and broth. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
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Gently stir in haddock and cook for 5 minutes.
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Add milk or cream, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
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Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread.
Why it works: Haddock chowder is a Maritime staple that warms the soul. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with wholesome goodness.
5. Grilled Haddock with Maple Dijon Glaze
Perfect for: Summer BBQs or healthy weeknight dinners
Ingredients:
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4 haddock fillets
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Brush glaze over haddock fillets.
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Grill fish on a greased grill pan or foil for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
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Serve with grilled veggies or quinoa salad.
Why it works: The maple-Dijon glaze offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, bringing out the natural flavour of the fish. Plus, it’s a true nod to Canadian flavours.
Why Cook with Haddock?
Haddock is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. Its mild taste makes it a hit with kids and picky eaters, and its firm texture holds up well to all cooking methods—from frying to poaching.
Final Tips
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Don’t overcook it – Haddock cooks quickly and becomes flaky when done. Overcooking can make it dry.
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Use fresh lemon – A squeeze of lemon brightens up almost any haddock recipe.
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Season simply – Let the natural flavour of the fish shine. Herbs, garlic, citrus, and light sauces go a long way.
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Choose sustainable options – Look certified haddock to support Canadian fisheries.
