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Crispy fried triggerfish with roasted vegetables in a rustic kitchen

Pan-Seared Triggerfish with Lemon Herb Butter

  • Author: Joy’s Kitchen
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This pan-seared triggerfish recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the tender, flaky texture and mild flavor of the fish. A quick sear ensures a golden crust, while a luscious lemon herb butter adds brightness and richness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic butter asparagus.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Triggerfish:

  • 4 triggerfish fillets (6–8 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Lemon Herb Butter:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Herb Butter:
    In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, dill, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Season the Triggerfish:
    Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil, then season with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Sear the Triggerfish:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan.
    Place the fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Add the Lemon Herb Butter:
    Reduce the heat to low, then spoon a dollop of the prepared herb butter over each fillet. Let it melt over the fish for about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
  5. Serve:
    Transfer the fillets to a serving plate and spoon any remaining butter from the pan over the top. Serve warm with a side of garlic butter asparagus.

Notes

  • Fish Substitution: If you can’t find triggerfish, this recipe works well with other mild white fish like grouper or snapper.
  • Fresh Herbs: Feel free to substitute or mix in other fresh herbs like chives, tarragon, or basil for variety.
  • Make It Citrusier: Add a few extra lemon slices to the pan during cooking for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Garlic Butter Asparagus
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0.3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Triggerfish Recipe, Pan-Seared Fish, Lemon Herb Butter, Easy Fish Dinner

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Find it online: https://archiverecipes.com/triggerfish-recipe/