Baked Hake with Onion Butter Marinade

Baked Hake with Onion Butter Marinade is a easy Russian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving.

Prep: 57 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 2 hrs 4 min

Cost: $31.08 total, $7.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Hake Fillets (cleaned, patted dry; four pieces about 250 g each)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular store‑bought mayo)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
  • 0.5 tsp Mixed Pepper Blend (ground black pepper mixed with other peppercorns)
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Garlic (granulated dried garlic)
  • 1 tsp Dry Mustard (powdered mustard)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
  • 40 g Unsalted Butter (cut into two small pieces for stuffing)
  • 500 g Onion (peeled and sliced into half‑rings)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish

    Rinse the hake fillets under cold water, pat them dry, and make shallow diagonal incisions on both sides of each piece.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Fish Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, paprika, mixed pepper, dried garlic, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Marinate the Fish

    Coat each fillet generously with the prepared sauce, making sure to work the mixture into the incisions. Place the fish on a plate and let it rest for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  4. Prepare the Onion Topping

    Slice the onion into half‑rings. In another bowl combine the onion rings with sugar, salt, paprika, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Marinate the Onion

    Let the onion mixture sit for 10 minutes while the fish continues to marinate.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 200°C

  7. Insert Butter into the Fish

    Place the 40 g of butter (cut into two pieces) into the incisions of each fillet.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake the Fish

    Arrange the butter‑stuffed fillets on a baking tray (line with parchment if desired). Scatter the marinated onion rings around the fish. Bake for 35 minutes.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 200°C

  9. Baste the Fish

    Remove the tray, spoon the pan juices over the fillets, and brush with any remaining sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Final Browning

    Return the fish to the oven and bake an additional 7 minutes until the edges are crisp and the incisions are nicely caramelized.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 200°C

  11. Rest and Serve

    Take the fish out of the oven, drizzle a little of the onion‑lemon sauce over the top, let rest 5 minutes, then serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑free

Allergens: Fish, Egg (mayonnaise), Soy, Dairy (butter), Mustard

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Baked Hake with Onion Butter Marinade

A simple oven‑baked hake fillet marinated in a creamy mayo‑paprika sauce, stuffed with butter, and served with a sweet‑sour onion topping. The fish turns golden, juicy, and infused with aromatic onion butter, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

EasyRussianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 7m
Prep
42m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.08
Total cost
$7.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making proper incisions on the fish
  • Ensuring the fish is fully coated with the mayonnaise‑paprika sauce
  • Inserting cold butter into the cuts before baking
  • Basting the fish with pan juices after the first bake
  • Achieving a golden, crisp finish in the final 5‑7 minutes

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw fish with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking tray.
  • Beware of hot steam when basting the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of baked hake with onion butter in Russian cuisine?

A

In Russian home cooking, baked white fish such as hake (or cod) is a staple for quick, comforting meals. The technique of marinating fish in a creamy sauce and stuffing it with butter reflects the Russian love for rich, buttery flavors, especially in coastal regions where fish is abundant.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of baked hake in Russian cuisine?

A

Along the Baltic and Black Sea coasts, bakers often use dill, horseradish, or kefir in the fish marinade. In Siberian households, the fish may be baked with a sour cream‑onion topping instead of butter, highlighting regional dairy preferences.

cultural
Q

How is baked hake traditionally served in Russia?

A

It is commonly served hot with a side of mashed potatoes, buckwheat kasha, or rye bread, and accompanied by a simple salad of pickled cucumbers or a beetroot salad. The buttery sauce is poured over the fish at the table.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is baked hake typically prepared in Russian households?

A

Baked fish dishes are popular for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions such as New Year’s Eve or Maslenitsa, when a hearty yet elegant main course is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for this Russian baked hake recipe versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh hake, mayonnaise, paprika, dry mustard, soy sauce, and unsalted butter. Substitutes can be cod for hake, Greek yogurt for mayo, Dijon mustard for dry mustard, and tamari for soy sauce without altering the overall flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Russian dishes pair well with baked hake with onion butter?

A

Pairs beautifully with classic Russian side dishes such as buckwheat kasha, creamy potato puree, or a fresh cucumber‑dill salad. A glass of chilled white wine or kvass also complements the buttery fish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked hake with onion butter?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the fish, not inserting butter into the cuts, and failing to baste the fish after the first bake. Each mistake can lead to dry texture or lack of flavor depth.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a mayonnaise‑paprika sauce instead of a traditional cream sauce?

A

Mayonnaise provides a stable emulsion that adheres well to the fish and creates a golden crust when baked, while the paprika adds color and mild smoky flavor. A cream sauce could separate at high oven temperatures.

technical
Q

Can I make this baked hake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the fish up to 2 hours in advance, then bake when ready. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month and reheat gently in the oven.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes from Russian and Eastern European cuisines, emphasizing simple techniques that deliver comforting, family‑friendly meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Russian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown prioritizes minimal ingredient lists, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips for everyday cooks, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate equipment or exotic ingredients.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Butter Chicken with Yogurt Marinade and Cashew Tomato Sauce
15

Butter Chicken with Yogurt Marinade and Cashew Tomato Sauce

A richer, creamier take on classic chicken and rice. Chicken thighs are marinated in Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, and warm Indian spices, then seared and finished in a silky cashew‑tomato sauce. Served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice and finished with a drizzle of heavy cream and fresh parsley.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$13
Indian
Herb-Marinated Baked Steak with Tomato-Onion Mix
7

Herb-Marinated Baked Steak with Tomato-Onion Mix

A simple yet impressive oven‑baked steak infused with garlic, rosemary, and a savory tomato‑onion mixture. The steaks are briefly blanched, marinated for an hour, then wrapped with butter and fresh herbs before baking to juicy perfection.

2 hrs 27 minServes 2$24
American
Oven Baked Buttermilk Chicken
10

Oven Baked Buttermilk Chicken

Tender chicken strips marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour‑panko mixture, lightly sprayed with oil and baked until golden and crispy. A healthier take on classic Southern fried chicken that’s perfect for a quick dinner or snack.

3 hrs 12 minServes 4$6
American
Baked French Onion Chicken – No Fuss, No Stirring! ✅
64

Baked French Onion Chicken – No Fuss, No Stirring! ✅

A comforting one‑dish dinner of thinly sliced onions caramelized in the oven with sun‑dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, then tossed with pan‑seared chicken thighs and a silky heavy‑cream sauce. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a warm, flavorful meal.

2 hrs 23 minServes 4$12
American
Dylan Hollis - Peanut Butter Stuffed Onions
10

Dylan Hollis - Peanut Butter Stuffed Onions

A quirky Depression‑era comfort dish where round onions are hollowed out and filled with a simple mixture of smooth peanut butter and breadcrumbs, then baked until tender. The result is a sweet‑savory bite that showcases resourceful cooking from hard‑times.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$1
American
AmaZing Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe!!! 😋
6

AmaZing Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe!!! 😋

A quick and flavorful baked cod dish coated in a garlicky butter‑olive oil paste, finished with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Perfect for a light dinner that tastes like restaurant‑style garlic butter fish.

40 minServes 2$7
American
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Chicken and Rice
7

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Chicken and Rice

A comforting one‑pan dinner of tender baked chicken thighs perched atop creamy, cheesy rice infused with lemon, garlic, and butter. Easy to assemble, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.

1 hr 20 minServes 6$18
American
Shrimp Oreganata - Baked Shrimp with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs
12

Shrimp Oreganata - Baked Shrimp with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs

A bright, garlicky baked shrimp dish topped with herbed breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a buttery white‑wine sauce. Served in a shallow pie dish, the shrimp stay juicy while the crust turns golden and crisp. Finished with fresh lemon wedges, this Italian‑American favorite is perfect for a quick appetizer or light main.

35 minServes 4$16
Italian-American