Ina Garten Gives Fish 10x The Flavor With This Creamy Dressing Tip

Cooking fish that's tender, moist, and flavorful can be tricky. That's why you may want to master some tips from Ina Garten that will up your cooking game and give your fish a major texture and flavor boost. Per a Facebook clip, the barefoot contessa reveals that she marinates her swordfish in a creamy Caesar dressing before roasting it in the oven. Marinating fish in a mayo-based dressing creates a barrier to lock in moisture, but it also allows dense and hearty fish to absorb all the bold flavors in the dressing.

Garten makes a homemade Caesar dressing to coat her fish, but a creamy store-bought dressing will work just fine. Its bold garlic, lemon, and pepper elements  add the perfect savory, zesty pop to fish — but it's the creamy foundation that's the true game changer. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil in water, along with egg and seasoning, and when this type of dressing is smeared all over fish, it's going to allow it to brown better than if the fish had been coated in butter. This helps to create a golden crust that makes you want to sink your teeth into this seafood.

Ina Garten's Caesar dressing marinade for fish is worth adding to your culinary repertoire. While the Hamptons chef uses swordfish in her video, you could use bass, halibut, or even tuna. These hearty, meaty fish are able to stand up to the marinade's taste and keep their shape. However, if you want to use a delicate sole, flounder, or cod, just go light with a thin coat of dressing. Also, remember that you don't want to marinate it for a long time; just 10 to 12 minutes is enough. 

If you like the flavor Caesar dressing adds to your seafood, you may want to consider switching up the dressing and the type of fish. A green goddess dressing with salmon gives an herbaceous and creamy bite that's dripping with tarragon, chives, lemon, and garlic. Or, if you're a ranch fan, try marinating a delicate tilapia filet in this favorite dressing for a velvety but mild taste. Of course, if you like to keep things simple and the flavor profile more neutral, try brushing mayo on seafood before grilling for a nice char.