How to Cook Whiting Fish: A Beginner’s Guide

Treat yourself to this classic favourite. Order ready-to-cook crumbed whiting fish and chips online at Manettas.

Delicate, versatile and delicious, whiting fish offers a delightful culinary experience for seafood enthusiasts. With its mild flavour and tender texture, whiting fish lends itself beautifully to various cooking methods, from baking and grilling to pan-searing and pan-frying.

In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks to help you achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive seafood feast, learning how to cook whiting fish will elevate your culinary repertoire.

Whiting Fish: A Quick Look

Renowned for its slender frame, shimmering silver scales and tender flesh, whiting fish boasts a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings and sauces. Its delicate texture makes it a favourite choice for grilling, baking, frying and more, allowing for endless culinary creativity in the kitchen.

In addition to its culinary appeal, whiting fish is also very nutritious. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals, whiting fish offers a nourishing boost to any meal. It’s a guilt-free treat that supports heart health and promotes brain function. 

When it comes to sourcing whiting fish, options abound. You can find fresh whiting fish at local markets and fishmongers or conveniently purchase it online from reputable vendors like Manettas Seafood Market. With accessibility at your fingertips, there’s never been a better time to explore the culinary delights of whiting fish in your kitchen.

The mild flavour of whole sand whiting fish endears itself to seafood lovers.

Different Ways to Cook Whiting Fish

Baked whiting fish

Baking whiting fish is a simple yet elegant way to showcase its delicate flavour and tender texture. See how easy it is:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Place the whiting fillets in the baking dish and season them with salt, pepper and a drizzle of lemon juice for a burst of citrusy freshness. For added flavour, you can also sprinkle the fillets with garlic powder, onion powder or your favourite herbs and spices. 
3. Once seasoned, cover the baking dish with foil and bake the fish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
4. Before serving, garnish the baked whiting fish with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavour. Pair the fish with your favourite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice or a crisp green salad, for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.

Pan-seared whiting fish

Pan-searing is a fantastic way to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior when cooking whiting fish. Follow these simple steps for perfectly pan-seared whiting fish:

1. Pat the whiting fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fillets develop a golden crust when seared in the pan.
2. Season the fillets with salt, pepper and any additional spices or herbs of your choice.
3. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned whiting fish fillets to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. 
4. Cook the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. For added flavour, you can finish the pan-seared whiting fish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of melted butter. 
6. Serve the fillets immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside your favourite side dishes.

Talk about a mild flavour; you can have this Eastern school whiting fish every day and not have enough.

Grilled whiting fish

Grilling whiting fish is a fantastic way to infuse a smoky flavour and achieve a beautifully charred exterior. Here’s how to grill whiting fish to perfection:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Marinate the whiting fish fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and your favourite herbs and spices for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
3. Once the grill is hot, place the marinated whiting fish fillets directly onto the grates. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
4. Before serving, garnish the grilled whiting fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. 
5. Serve the fillets alongside grilled vegetables, rice pilaf or a light salad for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for summer grilling sessions.

Pan-fried whiting fish

Want the simple yet delightful flavour of a crispy golden exterior? It’s time to pan-fry fish!

1. Season thinly sliced whiting fillets with salt, pepper and any desired herbs or spices.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
3. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned whiting fillets in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the fillets to prevent them from falling apart.
4. Once both sides are cooked to perfection and the fillets are opaque throughout, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the pan-fried fish hot with your favourite side dishes or dipping sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Whiting fish soup/stew

Whiting fish soup or stew is a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty meal. Here’s how to make it:

Want the simple yet delightful flavour of a crispy golden exterior? It’s time to pan-fry fish!

1. Season thinly sliced whiting fillets with salt, pepper and any desired herbs or spices.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
3. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned whiting fillets in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the fillets to prevent them from falling apart.
4. Once both sides are cooked to perfection and the fillets are opaque throughout, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the pan-fried fish hot with your favourite side dishes or dipping sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Larger than the Eastern school whiting, these sand whiting fillets offer a more robust flavour.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Whiting Fish

What whiting fish recipe did you like most? Whatever it is, here are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you achieve delicious results every time:

• Selecting fresh fish: Look for whiting fish fillets that are firm, with a mild aroma and no discolouration. Fresh fish should have clear eyes and shiny scales.
• Proper seasoning: Enhance the natural flavour of whiting fish with a combination of herbs, spices and citrus.
• Cooking time and temperature: Avoid overcooking whiting fish, as it can become dry and lose its delicate texture. Cook the fish just until it flakes easily with a fork, whether baking, pan-searing, grilling, pan-frying or simmering in a soup/stew.
• Experimentation and creativity: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your whiting fish recipes! Explore different cooking methods, flavour combinations and serving presentations to discover your favourite way to enjoy this versatile seafood.

With the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from this beginner’s guide, you’re now equipped to create a wide variety of delicious whiting fish dishes in your own kitchen. Remember to take advantage of the convenience and benefits of buying whiting fish online, where you can access a wide selection of fresh and sustainably sourced seafood with just a few clicks.

With Manettas, for example, you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality seafood in every order. Feel free to reach out and speak with our friendly staff!