Imagine a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple white fish into a crispy, golden-brown delicacy right in your own kitchen. This pan-seared white fish recipe is your ticket to an impressive meal that looks sophisticated but takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof technique will have you serving up restaurant-worthy seafood that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests marvel at your culinary skills!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 fillets white fish (such as halibut or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 fillets of white fish (such as halibut or snapper), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 lemon, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, which indicates it's hot enough for searing.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the fillets in batches.
- Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes without moving them. This will help develop a golden-brown crust. You can gently lift a corner of the fillet with a spatula to check for browning.
- Once the first side is nicely seared, carefully flip the fillets using a spatula. Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and place it on a plate. Let it rest for a minute while you prepare the serving.
- Cut the lemon into wedges for serving. You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish for added flavor.
- Garnish the pan-seared fish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the pan-seared white fish immediately with the lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before cooking - moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear!
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and optimal browning.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding fish - it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Don't move the fish while it's cooking the first side - this creates that beautiful golden crust.
- Choose fresh, high-quality white fish like halibut or snapper for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a fish spatula for the most delicate and precise flipping.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its juices.
- Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.
- Practice makes perfect - don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't Instagram-worthy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 247kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
