Goose Pro Staff 3 Favorite Striper Recipes

Cape Cod striped bass isn’t just a prized catch—it’s one of the best-eating fish in the Northeast when handled properly. Fresh striper has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a firm, flaky texture that adapts beautifully to a range of cooking styles. Whether you’re grilling by the beach or cooking at home after a long tide, these three recipes highlight the fish at its absolute best.

1. Grilled Striped Bass with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs

Why it works: Simple, clean flavors let fresh fish shine—perfect for just-caught Cape Cod stripers.

Ingredients:

• 2 striped bass fillets (skin-on)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 lemon (zested and sliced)

• Fresh parsley and thyme

• Salt & black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

2. Pat fillets dry and brush with olive oil.

3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon zest.

4. Place fillets skin-side down on the grill.

5. Grill 5–7 minutes, then flip carefully and cook another 2–3 minutes.

6. Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Cape Cod Tip: Grill it dockside or beachside if possible—there’s nothing better than eating striper with a salt breeze in the air.

2. Pan-Seared Striped Bass with Brown Butter & Capers

Why it works: The crispy skin and rich, nutty butter sauce elevate striper into a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 striped bass fillets (skin-on)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp capers

• 1 lemon (juiced)

• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Score the skin lightly and season the fillets.

3. Place skin-side down and press gently to prevent curling.

4. Cook 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy, then flip and cook 2 more minutes.

5. Remove fish and set aside.

6. In the same pan, add butter and let it brown slightly.

7. Stir in capers and lemon juice.

8. Spoon sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

Cape Cod Tip: Pair this with local asparagus or roasted potatoes for a classic coastal dinner.

3. Baked Striped Bass with Ritz Cracker Crust

Why it works: A New England staple—this buttery, crunchy topping is a Cape Cod favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 striped bass fillets

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)

• 4 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

• Lemon wedges

• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place fillets in a greased baking dish and season lightly.

3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each fillet.

4. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and parsley.

5. Press mixture onto the top of the fish.

6. Bake for 15–18 minutes until topping is golden and fish flakes easily.

7. Serve with lemon wedges.

Cape Cod Tip: This is the go-to recipe for family gatherings—simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.

Final Thoughts

The key to great striped bass on Cape Cod is freshness and restraint. You don’t need heavy marinades or complicated techniques—just quality fish, a few good ingredients, and proper cooking.

Whether you’re grilling after a Canal run, pan-searing a keeper from the flats, or baking up a classic New England dish, these three recipes cover the full range of what makes striped bass special.