Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy is my reliable weeknight dinner when I want something bright, fast, and full of flavor without a fuss. Maybe you have a couple of fish fillets in the fridge and zero energy to do anything complicated. Same. This dish is juicy, zesty, and not fishy at all, so even picky eaters usually say yes. I love that it cooks quickly and feels special but not fussy. If you can zest a lime and mince a little garlic, you can nail this.
What does orange roughy taste like?
If you have not tried orange roughy before, think of it as a very mild white fish with a delicate texture. It is tender and flaky, almost silky when properly cooked. The flavor is gentle, so it welcomes bold friends like lime, garlic, and fresh herbs without overpowering your taste buds. That mildness is exactly why this fish shines with a citrusy herb rub. You get a clean, fresh bite that never feels heavy.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Cuts Food, and this Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy is a keeper: big on flavor with no weird tricks. Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy is my reliable weeknight dinner when I want something bright, fast, and full of flavor without a fuss. Maybe you…
When I make Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy, I let the fillets be the star and use simple ingredients to lift the flavor. A little tang from lime, a touch of butter or olive oil for richness, and a sprinkle of herbs to keep things vibrant. The fish cooks quickly, which helps it stay juicy. If you have ever overcooked fish and ended up with something sad and dry, this is the complete opposite. Watch the color and flakes and you are golden.
Texture wise, it is perfect for baking or pan searing. I prefer a hot oven and a short cook time so the outside gets a little glossy and the inside stays moist. A squeeze of lime at the end pulls everything together. 
What seasonings can I use for orange roughy recipes?
Because orange roughy is mild, it is a great canvas. My go to seasoning mix is simple and fresh. I use fine sea salt, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, lime zest, and a mix of chopped parsley and cilantro. If you are not a cilantro fan, stick with parsley and maybe a touch of thyme. The lime zest adds fragrant oils that wake up the fish in a way plain juice cannot. A little olive oil helps the seasoning cling and keeps the surface from drying out.
For gentle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. If you like a warmer spice profile, a tiny hint of cumin blends surprisingly well with lime and garlic. Want a buttery finish? Dot the top with a few small pieces of butter right before it goes into the oven. I also love grating in a bit of fresh lime zest at the end for an extra pop.
Why lime and herbs work so well
Lime cuts through any richness and gives the fish a bright backbone. Herbs like parsley and cilantro add freshness and color. Garlic brings that savory balance that keeps each bite interesting. When you put them together, you get a balanced bite that never tastes flat. This is why Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy is a win every time. 
What to serve with orange roughy?
Keep the sides light and colorful so they do not drown out the delicate fish. Think bright, crunchy, and a little cozy. Here are some easy ideas to mix and match:
- Crisp salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella. I like this Cucumber Caprese Salad for a cool side that pairs with the lime and herbs.
- Simple roasted veggies like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. A quick roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper keeps them flavorful and fast.
- Rice or orzo pilaf with a squeeze of lime. If you like make ahead comfort, try a one pot pasta on another night like this One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet.
- Bean sides for extra protein and fiber, like these zesty Easy Cuban Black Beans.
- A cheerful dessert to keep the citrus theme going. The Blueberry Dump Cake is low effort and loved by kids and grown ups.
For drinks, I like iced tea with a lime wedge or sparkling water with a splash of juice. It keeps the palate clean and lets that citrusy fish shine.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
These numbers are estimates for one serving using a 6 ounce orange roughy fillet with a light brush of olive oil and herbs. Your exact numbers will vary based on portion size and the amount of oil or butter used, but this gives you a helpful ballpark.
Calories: about 260 to 300
Protein: around 28 to 32 grams
Total Fat: about 11 to 15 grams
Carbohydrates: roughly 2 to 4 grams
Sodium: depends on salt added and any salted butter used
Orange roughy is naturally lean and high in protein. The olive oil or butter adds heartiness and helps the herbs and lime stick, so you can adjust the fat based on your goals. For even lighter numbers, spray the pan and the fish with olive oil spray instead of brushing.
How this fits your goals
If you are aiming for a protein forward dinner with minimal fuss, this recipe checks the boxes. It is gluten free, easy to make dairy free if you skip the butter, and budget flexible because the ingredient list is short. Pair it with veggies and a simple starch and you have a complete plate without much effort.
Recipe tips:
Here is how I keep this fish tender and flavorful every single time, plus a quick walkthrough. These small details make a big difference and help you feel confident even if this is your first time cooking orange roughy.
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning. Dry surface equals better browning and fewer watery puddles in the pan.
- Use fresh lime zest and fresh lime juice. The zest brings aroma while the juice brings tang. Both matter.
- Do not drown it in oil. A light brush or spray is enough to keep things moist.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, then add garlic and chopped parsley or cilantro.
- High heat, short time. Aim for 400 to 425 F for about 10 to 12 minutes depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. If it is still glossy and resists flaking, give it a minute more.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of olive oil for shine.
Quick recipe walkthrough
Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a small sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Pat the fillets dry and place them on the pan. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the zest of 1 lime, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon each chopped parsley and cilantro. Rub this over the fish, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the fish is flaky and opaque. Squeeze on fresh lime juice to finish. That is it.
“I made this on a busy Tuesday with a bag of green beans and lemon rice. It tasted bright and fresh, and even my kids went back for seconds. Totally adding it to our weeknight rotation.”
If you want another easy dinner idea to keep in your back pocket for the next night, this cozy One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a nice change of pace. And for fish night, remember that Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy loves simple sides. Keep it bright, keep it fast, and let the lime do the heavy lifting.
Common Questions
How do I keep orange roughy from drying out?
Use high heat and a short cook time, and do not skip the light brush of oil. Pull it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
You can, but fresh tastes better. The zest is where the magic is, so use fresh zest if possible.
Is pan searing better than baking?
Both work. Baking is hands off and great for beginners. Pan searing gives a little more color but needs closer attention.
What if I do not like cilantro?
Go with parsley and a little thyme. You still get that fresh herb flavor without the cilantro note.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the seasoning and zest ahead, but cook the fish right before serving for best texture.
Ready to cook something bright and easy?
You do not need a long ingredient list or chef skills to pull off a great fish dinner. With lime, herbs, and a quick bake, Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy turns into a fresh, flaky meal that tastes restaurant worthy without the stress. If you like to compare styles, check out this take on Lime and Herb Orange Roughy – (Best Recipe Ever) or try a citrus blend like the classic Lemon-Orange Orange Roughy Recipe for a different twist. Either way, you will have a simple, bright dinner that makes weeknights feel a little sunnier. Grab some limes, heat the oven, and enjoy this easy win tonight. 
Easy Lime And Herb Orange Roughy
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a small sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Pat the orange roughy fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro.
- Rub this mixture over the fish fillets evenly.
- Sprinkle the fillets with fine sea salt and cracked black pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned fillets on the prepared sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
- Once done, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fish to finish.
