Sauteed Hake Bites
- Gluten Free
- Energy Kcal 258
- Carbohydrates g 1.6
- of which sugars g 1.6
- Protein g 19.5
- Fats g 19.3
- of which saturated fat g 5.72
- Fiber g 2.4
- Cholesterol mg 75
- Sodium mg 750
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 5 min
- Cook time: 5 min
- Serving: 3
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Sautéed hake bites bring a touch of Italian comfort to the table—really, it's both easy and special. Across Italy, kitchens buzz with this dish, using fresh hake fillets. The fish is celebrated for its tender bite and mild flavor. And you know what makes this dish different? It's that splash of lime zest that enlivens every bite, plus the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. This combo gives a fun twist on sautéed hake bites—way brighter and more original than your usual fried fish.
People love how versatile it is. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, or when surprise guests drop by. The zesty lime complements the soft, flaky fish beautifully. And the nuts add a crispy texture that keeps every bite interesting. Seriously good.
If you're after pan-fried hake bites that don’t demand much time or effort, this recipe's a winner. These crispy hake bites are dishes you’ll want to recreate. Why? Because they taste fresh, moist, and full of flavor without being heavy. In some parts of Italy, folks might toss in a few herbs or a pinch of pepper for a regional twist. And the sauce? That’s another story.
It's a perfect example of easy fish appetizers you'd find in Italian homes, where the goal is to make food simple and really tasty. Kids get super excited about fish when it’s this golden and fun. And grown-ups? They appreciate how these bites pair well with a light salad or roasted veggies.
With sautéed hake bites, you get a fast, healthy fish snack—really good stuff. Shows off how quick can be special. Every now and then, a dish like this is just what you need. You want something original but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s ideal for romantic dinners or getting kids to enjoy fish, highlighting the quick cooking time and appealing taste as key points. No question.
- INGREDIENTS
- Hake fillets 0.7 lb (300 g)
- Whole peeled hazelnuts 0.4 cup (50 g)
- Lime 1
- Butter 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Sage 4 leaves
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Sauteed Hake Bites
To prepare the sauteed hake bites, take the hake fillets and cut each fillet into 3 pieces, obtaining bite-sized pieces 1. Once you have cut all the fish, set it aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the seasoning. In a pan, pour the hazelnuts 2 and toast them for 5-6 minutes over low heat 3. Once toasted, set them aside and let them cool.
Now move on to the seasoning: in a non-stick pan, melt the butter and add the sage leaves 4. Once the butter has melted, gently add the hake bites 5, then grate half of the lime zest 6.
Squeeze the lime and pour the juice into the pan 7 and adjust with salt and pepper. Cook the hake over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, gently turning each piece with tongs 8. Once cooked, plate the hake bites by removing them from the pan with a spoon 9: do not pierce them with a fork or tongs, as they might break.
Place the hake bites on a serving plate, drizzling them with the cooking juices 10. At this point, take the toasted hazelnuts, now cooled, and chop them coarsely with a knife (11-12).
Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the hake bites 13, finish with a final grating of lime zest 14, and serve 15: your sauteed hake bites are ready to be served!