Print

Pan-Seared Rockfish

Pan-Seared Rockfish
Print Recipe

Pan-Seared Rockfish is an elegant and delicious seafood dish featuring crispy, golden skin and tender, flaky flesh bursting with natural flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this quick and easy recipe emphasizes proper seasoning, heat control, and technique to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fresh rockfish fillets with skin on (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons high smoke point oil (avocado or grapeseed oil recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
  • 1 lemon (for juice and zest)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the rockfish fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, paying special attention to the skin side to enhance crispiness.
  2. Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the high smoke point oil and allow it to shimmer without smoking to ensure a proper sear.
  3. Sear the Rockfish Skin Side Down: Place fillets skin side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula for 10 to 15 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip and Add Butter and Aromatics: Carefully turn the fillets over to cook the flesh side. Add butter, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter repeatedly over the fish to baste, adding flavor and moisture.
  5. Finish Cooking and Rest: Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let the fish rest briefly to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

  • Always pat fish dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin instead of steaming.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan—give each fillet enough space to sear evenly.
  • Use moderate heat to avoid burning the skin while allowing it to crisp properly.
  • Press fillets gently right after placing them in the pan to keep the skin flat.
  • Choose the freshest rockfish possible for optimum flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: rockfish, pan-seared fish, seafood recipe, crispy skin fish, quick seafood dinner, healthy fish recipe, omega-3 fish

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/pan-seared-rockfish/