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Pan-Seared Pompano with Lemon Butter and Fresh Herbs

Pan-seared pompano fillets with a bright lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 pompano fillets skin-on, about 6 ounces each
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or tarragon chopped
  • Red pepper flakes pinch (optional)

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel or cast iron skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Zester or microplane
  • small bowl for mixing herbs and seasonings
  • spatula or fish turner
  • Instant read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Remove pompano fillets from the refrigerator and let them stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Pat both sides of each fillet completely dry with paper towels, especially the skin side.
  3. Season both sides of the fillets generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 5 minutes before cooking.
  4. Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet and heat for about 30 seconds, until the oil shimmers.
  6. Place each fillet skin-side down in the skillet and cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
  7. Gently flip each fillet and cook the second side for 3 to 4 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  8. Reduce heat to low and add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon zest and juice, then the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling until the sauce is emulsified.
  9. Stir fresh parsley and dill into the sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired, and spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over each fillet. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, ensure the fish is completely dry and the pan is properly heated. Serve immediately to maintain texture.