Description
A quick and reliable recipe for pan-seared fish fillets with a rich garlic butter finish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or halibut)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ¾ tsp
- All-purpose flour (optional): 1 tbsp
- Neutral oil with high smoke point: 2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Optional finish: 1 tsp olive oil or extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Dry and Season the Fish: Pat fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Dust with flour if using.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Sear the Fillets: Place fillets in the pan and cook without moving for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook for 1½–3 minutes until cooked through.
- Make Garlic Butter and Baste: Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, baste the fillets with the melted garlic butter for 30-45 seconds.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer fillets to a plate, rest briefly, and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
Ensure fillets are dry before searing for the best crust. Resting the fillets will help retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg