---
title: "Chilean Hake Loaf — Homemade Budín de Merluza"
description: "Versión en Español. Chilean hake loaf, or budín de merluza, is chopped boneless hake mixed with beaten eggs, tomato sauce, bread crumbs, parsley or basil, and lemon zest, packed into a foil lined loaf..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-hake-loaf-budin-de-merluza-recipe/
date: 2026-10-05
modified: 2026-10-05
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-hake-loaf-budin-de-merluza-featured.jpg
categories: ["Main Dishes"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Chilean Hake Loaf — Homemade Budín de Merluza

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-budin-de-merluza/)

![Chilean hake loaf with cherry tomatoes and basil](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-hake-loaf-budin-de-merluza-featured.jpg)*Chilean hake loaf*

Chilean hake loaf, or budín de merluza, is chopped boneless hake mixed with beaten eggs, tomato sauce, bread crumbs, parsley or basil, and lemon zest, packed into a foil lined loaf pan, covered, and baked in a water bath at 200°C (392°F) for about 50 minutes. It takes 20 minutes of preparation and 50 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.

A fresh, foolproof dish of Mediterranean origin that became a classic of Italian influence in Chilean cooking, ideal for warm days.

Contents

- [1. How to Make Hake Loaf?](#How_to_Make_Hake_Loaf)
- [2. Nutritional Information](#Nutritional_Information)
- [3. Homemade Chilean Hake Loaf Recipe](#Homemade_Chilean_Hake_Loaf_Recipe)
  - [3.1. Ingredients](#Ingredients)
  - [3.2. Instructions](#Instructions)
- [4. Additional Tips](#Additional_Tips)
  - [4.1. Dry the fish](#Dry_the_fish)
  - [4.2. Mind the water level](#Mind_the_water_level)
  - [4.3. Serve it cold too](#Serve_it_cold_too)
- [5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs)
  - [5.1. 1. Can I use frozen hake?](#1_Can_I_use_frozen_hake)
  - [5.2. 2. Can I use panko instead of bread crumbs?](#2_Can_I_use_panko_instead_of_bread_crumbs)
  - [5.3. 3. Why cover the pan with foil?](#3_Why_cover_the_pan_with_foil)
  - [5.4. 4. Can it be served cold?](#4_Can_it_be_served_cold)
- [6. Benefits of Hake](#Benefits_of_Hake)
- [7. Did You Know?](#Did_You_Know)
- [8. Recommended](#Recommended)

## How to Make Hake Loaf?

Mild, tender hake is ideal for a fish loaf bound with eggs, tomato sauce, and bread crumbs and baked gently in a water bath.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of hake loaf contains approximately 320 kcal, 50 g of protein, 15 g of fat (2 g of saturated fat), 70 mg of cholesterol, 15 g of carbohydrates, 4 g of sugars, and 500 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Chilean Hake Loaf Recipe

**Preparation:** 20 minutes
**Cooking:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 4

### Ingredients

- 1 kg of hake fillets
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon of parsley
- 1 lemon
- Tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Fine sea salt
- Black pepper

### Instructions

1. Chop the boneless hake fillets, season with salt and pepper, and place in a large bowl. Add the lightly beaten eggs and 2 or 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce and mix. Add the bread crumbs, basil or parsley, and lemon zest and knead into a compact, even mixture.

![Hake fillets for Chilean hake loaf](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/hake-fillets-budin-de-merluza.jpg)*Hake Fillets*

1. Line a loaf pan with foil and brush with olive oil. Pour in the mixture, no more than ¾ full, and cover the top with foil. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) for at least 10 minutes.

![Bread crumbs to bind hake loaf](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bread-crumbs-hake-loaf.jpg)*Bread Crumbs*

1. Set the pan in a shallow dish of water and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out dry. Serve right away with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

![Making Chilean hake loaf step by step](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/making-hake-loaf-step-by-step.jpg)*Making the Loaf*

## Additional Tips

### Dry the fish

Pat the fillets dry before chopping so the loaf does not release too much water.

### Mind the water level

The water bath should reach halfway up the pan for gentle, even heat.

### Serve it cold too

It makes an elegant summer starter with tartar sauce or homemade mayonnaise.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fresh hake | Thawed frozen hake | 1 kg | Drain well |
| Bread crumbs | Panko | 2 tablespoons | Lighter texture |
| Parsley | Fresh basil | 1 teaspoon | More aromatic |
| Hake | Corvina or reineta | 1 kg | Other white fish |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. Can I use frozen hake?

Yes. Thaw it completely and remove all excess water before starting.

### 2. Can I use panko instead of bread crumbs?

Yes, panko gives a slightly airier interior, while regular crumbs give a more compact, classic texture.

### 3. Why cover the pan with foil?

It keeps the top from over browning or drying out before the center cooks.

### 4. Can it be served cold?

Yes, it is ideal in summer as a starter with tartar sauce or homemade mayonnaise.

## Benefits of Hake

Hake is a white fish low in fat and calories and a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and high quality protein.

## Did You Know?

Chilean hake lives in deep waters between the Coquimbo and Los Lagos regions and can live up to 15 years.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Hake Scrambled Eggs Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-hake-scrambled-eggs-merken-recipe/)
- [Chilean Roasted Hake Wrapped in Bacon Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-roasted-hake-wrapped-in-bacon-recipe/)
- [Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-tartar-sauce-salsa-tartara-recipe/)
- [No Bake Avocado Tart Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/no-bake-avocado-tart-tarta-de-palta-recipe/)