Chesapeake Bay Stuffed Rockfish is a delightful dish that captures the essence of the Chesapeake Bay’s rich culinary heritage. The rockfish, also known as striped bass, is a prized catch in the region, known for its firm, flaky texture and mild flavor. This recipe involves stuffing the fish with a savory blend of crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, enhancing its natural taste with a burst of coastal flavors. The stuffing is seasoned with Old Bay, a classic spice blend that is synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay, providing a perfect balance of spice and zest. Baked to perfection, this dish is both elegant and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or a taste of the bay at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole rockfish (about 4-5 pounds), cleaned and scaled
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, chopped onion, and fresh parsley. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the rockfish: Carefully make a slit along the belly of the rockfish to create a cavity. Spoon the crab mixture into the cavity, stuffing it generously. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary to keep the stuffing inside.
- Bake the fish: Place the stuffed rockfish on a greased baking sheet or in a large baking dish. Brush the fish with the melted butter and season the outside with a little more Old Bay seasoning. Cover the fish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cook the fish: Bake the rockfish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the fish to brown slightly.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the rockfish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Enjoy this Chesapeake Bay Stuffed Rockfish with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a true taste of the coastal life.
