Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up in the kitchen: **Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter**! This is not just any dish; it’s a delightful gourmet experience that I reserve for special occasions or when I want to impress my friends (or just myself—I mean, I deserve it!).
The first time I made this, it was a cozy little dinner party, and I wasn’t sure how my friends would react to monkfish. But, oh boy, did they sing my praises! The combination of the meaty texture of the monkfish with the nutty richness of the brown butter sauce is simply magical. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t help but feel a little proud every time I serve it.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your dinner game and bring a bit of fancy to your table, let’s dive right into the details of this delectable recipe!
What’s in Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter?
Let’s break down our star ingredients!
Monkfish fillets: This is the hero of our dish! Monkfish has a unique meaty texture that makes it perfect for searing. It can often be found in specialty seafood markets, or you might get lucky at your local grocery store.
Salt and pepper: The simplest seasoning duo, but oh-so-crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of our monkfish.
Olive oil: This is my go-to for sautéing; it adds a lovely, fruity taste and helps achieve that beautiful golden sear.
Unsalted butter: We’re using butter for the rich flavor in our brown butter, and I love to choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
Garlic: Minced and fragrant, garlic is the superstar that elevates our brown butter sauce to a whole new level.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives): These vibrant herbs add freshness and a burst of flavor, creating a beautiful contrast to the richness of the butter.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brings brightness to the dish, making sure it doesn’t feel too heavy.
Lemon wedges: Always a great idea for serving—they add extra zing and glamour to your plate!
Is Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter Good for You?
Let’s chat health for a sec!
Monkfish: This fish is a fantastic source of lean protein. It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals! Just think of all that muscle-building goodness!
Olive oil: We’re using this healthy fat, which is rich in monounsaturated fats known for supporting heart health.
Butter: While delicious, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. I like to think of it as a little treat that adds incredible flavor and richness to our dish.
Overall, while this dish is a bit indulgent, enjoying it as part of a balanced diet makes it a lovely, healthful option from time to time—especially paired with vibrant veggies or a crisp salad!
Ingredients for Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter
– 1 lb monkfish fillets
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– Lemon wedges, for serving
This recipe serves around 2-3 people, depending on your appetite!
How to Make Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter?
1. First things first, preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and toasty when our dish is ready to go in.
2. Using paper towels, pat the monkfish fillets dry. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the monkfish fillets and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re a gorgeous golden brown.
4. While the monkfish is getting its golden glow, let’s make the brown butter! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep an eye on it as it starts to foam and turn a lovely golden brown, which will take about 4-5 minutes.
5. Once the butter is a beautiful nutty color, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant and not at all burned (nobody likes bitter garlic!).
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, and chives) along with the lemon juice. This will be your stunning herb brown butter sauce!
7. Pour the herb butter mixture all over the seared monkfish in the skillet.
8. Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Yum!
9. Finally, take it out of the oven, drizzle that luscious herb brown butter sauce over the monkfish, and garnish with lemon wedges for that extra pop of flavor.
Happiness on a Plate
If you’re looking to tweak this recipe, feel free to play around with the herbs! Fresh dill or basil could work wondrously as well, based on your preferences. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not serve this dish with some roasted counterpoint vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness?
I just know you’re going to love making and devouring this Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter as much as I do! Please give it a try and come back to share your experience. Happy cooking!
