Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet sensational Pan-Seared Fish Fillet recipe. Perfectly cooked fish fillets—think salmon, snapper, or cod—are seared to golden, crispy perfection in olive oil, then finished with a luxurious butter baste for unbeatable richness. A zesty squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley offers an aromatic, herbaceous touch. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-worthy dish that's ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, this pan-seared fish fillet delivers a satisfying crunch and tender flakes in every bite; serve it alongside your favorite sides for a healthy and delicious seafood feast.
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure a good sear.
Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Carefully place the fish fillets skin-side down if applicable, laying them in the pan away from you to prevent splattering.
Cook without moving them for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked about halfway up the side.
Gently flip the fish fillets over using a spatula, and add the butter to the skillet.
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, basting the fillets occasionally with the melted butter with a spoon to enhance flavor.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; the fish should be opaque and flakes easily.
Remove the fish from the skillet and transfer it to serving plates.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish fillets for a bright, zesty finish.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Calories |
1097 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.3 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.7 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 251 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 2548 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 67.2 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 33.8 mcg | 169% | |
| Calcium | 73 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 1316 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.