Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish is a simple yet elegant dish that transforms mild white fish into a bold, flavorful main course. Coated in a creamy mixture of mustard, crème fraîche, and herbs, this fish is baked to flaky perfection in under 15 minutes. It’s a fast, healthy, and gourmet-style meal that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for entertaining guests.
What Is Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Fish?
This recipe features firm white fish fillets—typically halibut, cod, or grouper—coated in a tangy mustard sauce made with Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, crème fraîche, and fresh herbs, then roasted in the oven. The result is moist, tender fish with a golden, flavorful topping that pairs well with vegetables, grains, or salad.

Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Ina Garten Blueberry Coffee Cake
- Ina Garten’s Roasted Shrimp
- Ina Garten Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Fish
- Quick to prepare – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – Mustard and herbs elevate mild white fish.
- Healthy and light – High-protein and low-carb.
- Elegant presentation – Looks beautiful on the plate.
- Versatile – Works with a variety of white fish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish
- 4 (8-ounce) white fish fillets (halibut, cod, snapper, or grouper)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces crème fraîche (or sour cream if needed)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 2 teaspoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Fish
- Place the fish fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down if applicable.
- Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Mustard Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, shallots, capers, and optional dill.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Top the Fish with the Sauce
- Spoon the mustard mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, spreading to coat.
- Make sure each piece is fully covered—this helps keep the fish moist.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Golden
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to plates and serve with lemon wedges.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple arugula salad.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish?
- Roasted asparagus or green beans – A crisp, fresh contrast.
- Lemon herb quinoa or couscous – Absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Adds richness to the light fish.
- Simple arugula salad – Complements the creamy mustard sauce.
- Crusty French bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Fish
- Use fresh fish – The flavor shines when using high-quality fillets.
- Don’t overbake – Fish cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.
- Crème fraîche holds up best – Sour cream can work, but it may separate slightly.
- Add herbs for freshness – Dill, parsley, or tarragon pair beautifully with mustard.
- Serve immediately – This dish is best fresh from the oven.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Add breadcrumbs on top – For a crunchy finish, sprinkle with seasoned panko before baking.
- Use salmon or trout – The sauce complements oily fish just as well.
- Add white wine – A splash in the baking dish creates a steamy environment.
- Garnish with lemon zest – Adds brightness to each bite.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Fish
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze – The sauce may separate and become watery.
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish
- Oven method: Reheat at 325°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Cover and reheat gently on medium power for 1–2 minutes.
- Avoid high heat – Keeps the fish from overcooking or drying out.
Nutritional Value (per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fiber: ~1g
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat dry the fillets thoroughly before marinating and baking.
What can I substitute for crème fraîche?
You can use full-fat sour cream or a mix of Greek yogurt and cream, though crème fraîche provides the smoothest texture and richest flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The mustard sauce can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Does this recipe work with salmon?
Yes! It’s fantastic with salmon. Reduce the cooking time slightly if using thinner fillets.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Fish is a quick, elegant, and flavorful way to prepare seafood with very little effort. The creamy mustard sauce adds sophistication and a tangy bite, while the simple preparation ensures it’s accessible even on busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy fish dinner at home!
PrintIna Garten Mustard Roasted Fish
This recipe features firm white fish fillets—typically halibut, cod, or grouper—coated in a tangy mustard sauce made with Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, crème fraîche, and fresh herbs, then roasted in the oven. The result is moist, tender fish with a golden, flavorful topping that pairs well with vegetables, grains, or salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
-
4 (8-ounce) white fish fillets (halibut, cod, snapper, or grouper)
-
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
-
8 ounces crème fraîche (or sour cream if needed)
-
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
-
2 tablespoons minced shallots
-
2 teaspoons capers, drained
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
-
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Fish
-
Place the fish fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down if applicable.
-
Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Mustard Sauce
-
In a bowl, mix together the crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, shallots, capers, and optional dill.
-
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Top the Fish with the Sauce
-
Spoon the mustard mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, spreading to coat.
-
Make sure each piece is fully covered—this helps keep the fish moist.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Golden
-
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
-
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the sauce is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
-
Transfer to plates and serve with lemon wedges.
-
Pair with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple arugula salad.