Pan-Seared Butterfish with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Butterfish: A Culinary Delight
Butterfish, also known as black cod or sablefish, is prized for its rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture. Found in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, it has a high oil content, which gives it a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it a favorite among seafood lovers. While it's not related to true cod, its dark skin and similar appearance led to the moniker 'black cod'.
A History of Appreciation
Indigenous communities along the Pacific Northwest coast have long valued butterfish as a vital food source. They developed traditional methods of smoking and preserving the fish, which allowed them to enjoy its delicious flavor year-round. In more recent times, butterfish has gained popularity in high-end restaurants and home kitchens alike, celebrated for its versatility and luxurious taste.
Cooking Techniques
Butterfish can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, poaching, and pan-searing. Due to its high oil content, it remains moist and succulent regardless of the cooking method. Pan-searing is a particularly quick and easy way to showcase its delicate flavor and create a beautiful, crispy skin. The lemon-garlic sauce complements the richness of the fish, adding a bright and zesty counterpoint.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-ounce) butterfish fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.
Pat the butterfish fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- 2.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3.
Place the butterfish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, and sear for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 4.
Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- 5.
Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- 6.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- 7.
Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8.
Pour the lemon-garlic sauce over the butterfish fillets and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
- Fork
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the butterfish fillets in lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead.
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