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Pan-Seared Rockfish

Pan-Seared Rockfish
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Pan-Seared Rockfish offers a perfectly crispy, golden crust with a tender, moist interior. This quick and flavorful seafood dish combines fresh rockfish fillets with olive oil, butter, garlic, and lemon juice for a rich, buttery taste accented by subtle ocean notes. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is healthy, easy to prepare, and requires only one pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Rockfish fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on and fresh
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Fresh herbs (optional: parsley or thyme), finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Fish: Pat the rockfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which ensures a crispier crust. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a heavy skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron) over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers but does not smoke, which is essential for forming a perfect sear.
  3. Sear the Fillets: Gently place the rockfish fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press lightly with a spatula to maintain contact with the surface. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Flip and Add Flavor: Carefully turn the fillets over to the flesh side. Add the butter, crushed garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the fish repeatedly to baste and infuse flavor for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Finish with Lemon: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets. This bright finishing touch enhances the flavors and balances the richness.

Notes

  • Dry fish fillets thoroughly before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
  • Use a stainless steel or cast iron skillet for best heat retention and even searing.
  • Resist flipping the fish too early to allow the crust to develop and release naturally from the pan.
  • Baste the fish continuously with melted butter after flipping to keep it moist and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: rockfish, pan-seared, seafood, crispy fish, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe, gluten free

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/pan-seared-rockfish/