Baked orange roughy yields moist, tender, and ultra flakey results with the help of some butter, smoked paprika, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.
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.
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Baked Orange Roughy

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.
Prep: 10min
Total: 35min
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1 serving (3 ounces cooked)
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 serving (3 ounces cooked), calories 105 kcal, Carbohydrate 0.4 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Trans Fat 0.1 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 470 mg, Fiber 0.2 g, Sugar 0.04 g, unSaturated Fat 1.2 g
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces Orange roughy
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- cooking spray or olive oil (for the pan)
Instruction:
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray or rub with olive oil.
- Rinse and pat dry orange roughy filets.
- Brush melted butter onto fish filets.
- Season with paprika, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.
- Place seasoned filets on foil lined baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Orange Roughy

Golden, flakey orange roughy is incredibly easy to make with a bit of butter and Old Bay seasoning.
Prep: 5min
Total: 13min
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 serving, calories 91 kcal, Carbohydrate 0.3 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 0.1 g, Cholesterol 59 mg, Sodium 956 mg, Fiber 0.1 g, Sugar 0.02 g, unSaturated Fat 1.2 g
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces orange roughy filets (4 filets)
- 1/2 Tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon butter (softened)
Instruction:
- Rinse filets and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season filets on both sides with garlic salt and Old Bay seasoning.
- Brush softened butter on to both sides of seasoned filets.
- Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add filets to hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes then turn over and cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Remove from skillet and serve.
Orange Roughy cooked right! A nice and easy fish recipe!
FAQ
What are the drawbacks of eating orange roughy?
Is orange roughy a good fish for you?
These fish, also known as slimeheads, can live up to 150 years. But that means they’ve been around unhealthy elements, like mercury, for a long time. So they’re not the best option for a healthy diet.
Why is orange roughy not sold anymore?
Is orange roughy an expensive fish?
