Learn how to cook Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin in less than 15 minutes. This pan-searing method results in restaurant-quality succulent fish with browned, perfectly crisp skin. Use your favorite fish fillet and serve with sides or on top of salads and bowls.
Prepare fish - Gently pat both sides of the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, season each side with sea salt or kosher salt and black pepper. Use your fingers to gently pat the seasoning into the fish.
2 fish fillets, 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, black pepper to taste
Cook the fillets - Heat oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the pan gets hot, place the fish skin side down. Be sure the oil is hot before you add the fish. The oil should sizzle when you add the fish. Gently press down on the fish with a spatula or your knuckles for 10-20 seconds to prevent curling. Cook untouched for about 3-4 minutes.
Turn over the fillets - Once the side of the fish shows it is cooked about about two thirds of the way, use a fish spatula to carefully turn the fish over. Lower the heat to medium and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. The fish will be caramelized around the edges. Add about a tablespoon of butter to the pan and baste the fillets as the butter melts.
Serve and garnish - Serve the fish fillets immediately and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 2 lemon wedges
Notes
Storage
Store leftovers in an air-tight container or wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat leftovers, heat the oven to 350˚F, remove the fillets from the refrigerator, and allow the fillets to reach room temperature (about 15 minutes). Once at room temperature, place the fillets on a baking sheet and heat for 7-10 minutes. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Top tips
For tender fish, don't overcook the fish! Cook only until just cooked and use a fork to check the doneness. Overcooking the fish can result in very dry, tough fish.
For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Shrimp - You can also cook shrimp with the pan searing method used in this recipe. It's a great low maintenance way to cook shrimp.