When it comes to preparing fish quickly and deliciously, pan-cooking is a fantastic method that requires just 20 minutes of your time. Whether you call it sautéing or pan-frying, the subtle differences don’t matter much as both techniques involve using a fair amount of fat and a light coating of flour or cornmeal to promote browning and maintain the fish’s moistness. This classic recipe for fillets of sole, known as “meunière,” is incredibly versatile and works well for any thin fillets of fish like flounder, sole, or any other 1/4-inch-thick varieties. With two simple batches and minimal effort, you’ll have a delightful fish dish that’s ready to be enjoyed on warm dinner plates in no time.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- Four 6-ounce fillets of flounder, sole, or any other 1/4-inch-thick fish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter or more oil
- All-purpose flour or cornmeal for dredging
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Warm 4 dinner plates in a 200°F oven to keep them ready for serving. Sprinkle the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once the butter foam subsides, dredge two of the fish fillets, one at a time, in flour or cornmeal, shaking off any excess, and add them to the pan. Increase the heat to high and cook the fillets until golden on each side, approximately 4 to 5 minutes in total. Transfer the cooked fillets to the warm serving plates, and return them to the oven if you prefer to keep them warm while the second batch cooks. Wipe the pan clean and repeat the process with the remaining two fillets.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and add the remaining butter to the pan. Cook until the butter foams, which should take about a minute or two. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for approximately 15 seconds, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors. Pour the lemon-butter sauce over the fillets. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
VARIATIONS:
PAN-COOKED THICK FISH FILLETS:
- For thicker fish fillets, such as salmon, halibut, or other large-flake varieties, you can cook them in a single large skillet. Cook the fillets for about 5 minutes per side, turning once. These fillets will still be firm and juicy when done, with an opaque interior that can be easily tested with a thin-bladed knife.
PAN-COOKED WHOLE FISH:
- Small whole fish, around 12 ounces or less, can be pan-cooked with ease. After ensuring they are gilled, gutted, and scaled, add them to the pan one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook the fish for a total of 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their thickness, turning only once. They will be fully cooked when the flesh turns opaque, and a thin-bladed knife can pass through it easily.
PAN-COOKED SHRIMP, SCALLOPS, OR SQUID:
- Shrimp can be cooked with or without peels, while squid can be left whole or cut into rings. Proceed with the recipe as stated, shaking the skillet or stirring to brown the seafood on all sides. The total cooking time for shrimp, scallops, or squid should not exceed 3 minutes. Shrimp will be ready when they turn pink yet remain slightly translucent inside, scallops will be firm but not tough, and squid should be removed from the pan as soon as they start to shrink and turn opaque.
With this quick and versatile pan-cooking technique, you can create delightful fish dishes in no time. Whether you choose sole fillets with a lemon-butter sauce or explore other options like thick fillets, whole fish, shrimp, scallops, or squid, you’ll have an array of delicious seafood dishes to enjoy. With minimal effort and a hot skillet, these fish recipes will quickly become go-to favorites for satisfying weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. So, head to your kitchen, prepare your skillet, and embark on a culinary journey with these delectable pan-cooked fish recipes!
