Here’s a simple and delicious Pan-Seared Fish Fillet recipe — crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. Perfect for a quick lunch or elegant dinner.
🍽️ Pan-Seared Fish Fillet Recipe
🕒 Ready in: 15–20 minutes
🥣 Serves: 2
🐟 Ingredients:
- 2 fish fillets (like salmon, tilapia, cod, snapper, or sea bass)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp oil (olive oil or any neutral oil)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for flavor)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or thyme – optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
🔥 Instructions:
- Pat fish dry with paper towels. This helps it sear properly.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes (optional but boosts flavor).
- Heat oil in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add fish fillets skin-side down (if there’s skin). Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
- Cook undisturbed for 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden brown and crisp.
- Flip the fish carefully. Add butter and garlic to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the fish as it cooks (basting).
- Cook another 2–3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from pan, rest for a minute, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
🍋 Serving Ideas:
- Steamed or sautéed vegetables
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- A light salad
- Garlic butter pasta
✅ Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
- If the fillet sticks, don’t force it — let it sear longer, and it will release naturally.
- Use high-quality fresh fish for best flavor.