Rinse the fish briefly if needed and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Remove any bones with tweezers, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices.
For pan-cooking, heat a little cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fish in a lightly oiled baking dish.
Cook until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on the thickness and type of fish. A food thermometer is useful for checking doneness; fish should reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Remove the fish from the heat and let it rest briefly. Serve with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a simple and delicious meal.