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Pan-Seared Fillets with Garlic Butter


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A quick and flavorful pan-seared fish recipe with a glossy garlic-butter sauce that delivers restaurant-quality results at home in just 20 minutes.


Ingredients

  • Fish fillets (600 g total; about 4 fillets)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • All-purpose flour (optional, 15 g per fillet)
  • Olive oil (15 ml)
  • Unsalted butter (60 g)
  • Garlic (12 g, minced)
  • Lemon (1 medium, zested and juiced)
  • Fresh parsley (15 g, chopped)
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (optional, pinch)

Instructions

  1. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  3. Put the fillets in the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving.
  4. Flip the fillets gently, reduce heat, and add butter and garlic to the pan.
  5. Use a spoon to baste the melted butter over the fillets for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then spoon the sauce over the fillets.
  7. Let the fish rest in the pan for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

Avoid crowding the pan to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming. Use a thermometer for precise doneness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg