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Pan-Seared Orange Roughy

Pan-Seared Orange Roughy
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Pan-Seared Orange Roughy is a quick and easy seafood dish featuring tender, flaky fish with a crispy golden crust and rich buttery flavor. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of Orange Roughy through a simple pan-searing method, enhanced with fresh lemon juice, herbs, and optional garlic for warmth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive meals, it pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes for a versatile and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasonings

  • 4 Orange Roughy fillets (fresh, firm)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Garlic powder or 1-2 minced garlic cloves

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh lemon juice, from 1 lemon
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), a few sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the Orange Roughy fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear. Season both sides generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, sprinkle a little garlic powder or rub in minced garlic for added depth of flavor.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter and heat until it shimmers but does not smoke, indicating the correct temperature for a perfect golden crust.
  3. Sear the Fillets: Carefully place the fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down if no skin) into the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the fish naturally releases from the pan.
  4. Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. During the final minute, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and add a few sprigs of fresh herbs to infuse additional flavor.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the fish from the pan and let it rest for one to two minutes before plating. This resting period helps retain the juices, resulting in moist, flavorful bites.

Notes

  • Always pat the fish dry before cooking for the best crispy crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even browning and avoid steaming.
  • Use a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel for consistent heat.
  • Resist moving the fish too soon to develop a golden crust.
  • Use fresh or responsibly frozen Orange Roughy for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Roughy, pan-seared fish, crispy fish, quick seafood recipe, flaky fish, easy dinner, gluten free seafood

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/pan-seared-orange-roughy/