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Lemon Pepper Fish recipe


  • Author: Sophia

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Pepper Fish: 

    • 1.5 – 2 pounds Fish Fillets (choose your favorite – see suggestions below): The type of fish you choose will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your dish. Consider flaky white fish for a classic taste, or opt for heartier options for a different experience.
        • Excellent White Fish Options (Mild & Flaky): Cod, Haddock, Tilapia, Swai, Flounder, Sole, Halibut, Sea Bass, Grouper.

        • Other Good Options (Medium Texture & Flavor): Salmon, Mahi-Mahi, Catfish, Snapper, Trout.

    • 23 tablespoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning (adjust to taste): The star of the show! Choose a good quality lemon pepper seasoning. You can also make your own (recipe below).

    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Olive oil is a healthier option, while melted butter adds richness and flavor. You can use either or a combination.

    • 12 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (optional, for extra zest): If you want an extra burst of lemon flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a great addition.

    • Salt (optional, depending on your lemon pepper seasoning): Taste your lemon pepper seasoning first. Many brands already contain salt. Add extra salt only if needed.

    • Fresh Parsley or Dill, chopped (for garnish, optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

For Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Optional):

    • 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns, coarsely cracked or ground: Freshly cracked or coarsely ground peppercorns provide the best flavor.

    • 1 tablespoon Dried Lemon Zest: Make sure to use dried lemon zest, not fresh, for shelf stability and concentrated flavor. You can buy dried lemon zest or make your own by zesting lemons and dehydrating the zest.

    • 1 teaspoon Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt works well.

    • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional, for added depth): Garlic powder adds a subtle savory note.

    • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder (optional, for added depth): Onion powder complements the garlic and adds another layer of flavor.


Instructions

Method 1: Baking (Easy & Healthy)

    1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

    1. Prepare Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.

    1. Season Fish: Place the fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle generously with lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring both sides are coated if desired (you can season just the top side for a milder flavor). If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish. If your lemon pepper seasoning is low in salt, you may need to add a pinch of salt.

    1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. Thinner fillets will cook faster.

    1. Check for Doneness: Fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the fish dry.

    1. Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

Method 2: Pan-Frying (Quick & Crispy)

    1. Prepare Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

    1. Season Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with lemon pepper seasoning. If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.

    1. Heat Oil or Butter: Heat olive oil or butter (or a combination of both) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet.

    1. Cook Fish: Once the oil or butter is hot and shimmering, carefully place the fish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

    1. Cook Each Side: Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish. Flip gently using a spatula.

    1. Check for Doneness: Fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.

    1. Garnish & Serve: Remove from skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

Method 3: Grilling (Smoky Flavor & Great for Summer)

    1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

    1. Prepare Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

    1. Season Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil. If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.

    1. Grill Fish: Place the fish fillets directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish and the heat of your grill. Flip gently using a spatula. For delicate fish, you can use a grill basket or foil packets to prevent sticking and breaking.

    1. Check for Doneness: Fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.

    1. Garnish & Serve: Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

Method 4: Air Frying (Crispy & Quick)

    1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    1. Prepare Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

    1. Season Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Drizzle lightly with olive oil spray or a very small amount of olive oil. If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.

    1. Air Fry: Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and golden brown. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish and your air fryer model.

    1. Check for Doneness: Fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.

    1. Garnish & Serve: Remove from air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 120-150