During the summer, we all try to find ways to spend less time cooking in our kitchens, while still wanting to enjoy tasty and wholesome meals. Grilling a lean piece of meat is always an easy choice, but what about fish? I know that, for many of us, cooking fish is daunting, but it does not have to be this way!
Actually, cooking fish is not that hard and there is an easy and fool-proof way of doing it. For me, the easiest way is to cook the fish in a skillet. Pan-roasted fish fillets are the perfect way to prepare a flavorful, moist and tender piece of fish. Add your favorite salad and you have a healthy and easy dinner ready in just under 20 minutes.
How to pan-roast fish fillets
Here are 5 important steps that will ensure perfectly cooked fish fillets every time:
- Start with good quality fish.
- Make sure your fish is completely dry.
- Make sure your fish is generously seasoned.
- Use a heavy duty pan and high heat.
- Do not overcook it.
If you are just starting to experiment with fish, use a heavy duty non-stick skillet. If you are comfortable cooking fish on the stovetop, use a cast iron pan, for better browning.
More ideas for pan-roasting fish fillets
Once you have mastered this easy method, you can build on your skill by adding more texture and flavors to the fish. You can coat the fillets in some crispy panko breadcrumbs and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce; brush the fillets with an easy glaze; or, make a simple pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with a little wine. The varieties are almost endless!
How to serve it
With all the fresh and local produce now available at the market, a delicious, seasonal salad is the perfect pairing for any fish. If you need something more substantial, a simple parsley rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, or, even thin lemon spaghettini, are all good choices to accompany the fish. Just have everything ready so when the fish is ready, you can sit down to enjoy it while it is still hot!
- 2 5-ounce fish fillets ½-inch thick
- -- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium lemon, sliced into ¼” rounds
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Take the fish fillets out of the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (I used haddock for this recipe, but you can use any delicate white fish such as cod, striped bass, or snapper).
- Place a sturdy, 10-inch, nonstick skillet over high heat. When the skillet is hot, carefully add the olive oil. If your fillets have the skin still on them, place them skin-side down, making sure to layer them away from your body so you do not get splattered with the hot oil. Add the slices of lemon. Using a fish spatula, gently press down the fillets for about 20 seconds, or so, to prevent curling. If your fillets are skinless, ignore this step.
- Lower the heat to medium and sauté the fillets until you see some color around the edges. Depending on the thickness of the fish, it will take about 2 to 3 minutes to get to this stage. With a fish spatula, flip over the fillets the lemon slices. Next, add the fresh thyme to the skillet. Wait a few seconds and tilt the skillet slightly, using a spoon to baste the fish with the thyme-flavored olive oil. (If you want a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan along with the thyme.) Continue basting until the fillets have a nice color and are cooked through, about 1 more minute.
- Place the lemon slices on the fillets and serve immediately with your favorite summer salad and a glass of dry white or rosé wine.
Similar recipes from the blog’s archives
Here are a couple more easy fish recipes to cook this summer: The first one is for salmon, and the second one is for fish in parchment paper.
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Marilena,
What a super recipe! Delicious, easy, fast! I made it tonight using good quality frozen cod filets and it was restaurant-worthy. Although I usually use fresh cod, I have curtailed my shopping trips during the pandemic; but honestly, this dish was great using the individually frozen cod filets. You know how much I love seafood, so thank you for another great recipe. You have given us so many beautiful, easy dishes to help us through these difficult times! I am sure that all of your readers are as grateful as I am.
– Ratatouille
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a comment! I am so happy to know you tried the recipe and you had success with it. It’s all about easy recipes at summertime and this is definitely one of them! ?
How positive and Nice of you!!!
You have inspired me to keep trying!!!
Thankyou. 🙂
Thank you very much for sharing this! I really appreciate it!
I was pleasantly surprised how wonderful this was. First time ever cooking or eating Rockfish. This was absolutely delicious. Thank for a simple yet elegant recipe.
That’s wonderful! I am so glad you liked this favorite recipe!