CRISPY-SKINNED FISH WITH HERB SAUCE

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Crispy-Skinned Fish with Herb Sauce image

You don't need a culinary school degree to cook fish with skin as crunchy as a potato chip. Grab your nonstick skillet, start the fish skin side down, and slowly raise the heat. The skin will lie flat, gradually rendering fat like a strip of bacon, while the flesh gently cooks through. You can do this. Anyone can do this.

Provided by Chris Morocco

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Quick & Easy     Quick and Healthy     Seafood     Fish     Lemon Juice     Herb     Anchovy     Pickles     Bass     Snapper

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 oil-packed anchovy fillets (optional)
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped tender herbs (such as parsley, dill, and/or basil)
1 Tbsp. chopped pickles (capers, cornichons, or chile)
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice or white wine vinegar
6 Tbsp. (or more) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 (5-6-oz.) skin-on black bass, striped bass, snapper, or salmon fillets
Flaky sea salt

Steps:

  • Using the side of a chef's knife, mash anchovies (if using) and garlic on a cutting board until a coarse paste forms. Mix in a medium bowl with herbs, pickles, lemon juice, and 5 Tbsp. oil. Season green sauce with kosher salt and pepper.
  • Swirl remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet to coat. Season fish generously on both sides with salt and lay, skin side down, in cold skillet. Place skillet over medium heat and let it gradually heat up until fat starts to cook out of fish, about 4 minutes. At this point you may press gently on fish so that the skin is flat against the pan. Continue to cook until skin is super-crisp and flesh is mostly opaque (you can increase or decrease heat slightly if needed, but don't try to rush it), 8-12 minutes longer, depending on the thickness of the fish. Less fatty fish won't release as much fat on their own, so you may need to add a splash more oil to the skillet if the skin isn't getting crisp enough. Turn fish and cook just until opaque all the way through, about 1 minute.
  • Spoon green sauce onto a platter and carefully set fish, skin side up, on top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Dua Farooq
[email protected]

This recipe is a must-try! The fish was cooked to perfection and the herb sauce was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.


Isaac Ackon
[email protected]

I've tried this recipe a few times now and it's always a hit. The fish is always cooked perfectly and the herb sauce is so flavorful. I love that it's a healthy and delicious meal.


Jheanluc Kouter
[email protected]

This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The fish was crispy and the herb sauce was perfect. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Abel Sonyando
[email protected]

I'm so glad I found this recipe! It's a great way to cook fish. The fish was cooked perfectly and the herb sauce was delicious.


twiz4life
[email protected]

This recipe is a winner! The fish was crispy and flaky, and the herb sauce was divine. I will definitely be making this again.


MARWAT FF
[email protected]

5 stars! This recipe is a keeper. The fish was perfectly crispy and the herb sauce was so flavorful. My family loved it!


Khurram Hussain
[email protected]

I love this recipe! The fish is always cooked perfectly and the herb sauce is delicious. I've even used it on other types of fish and it's always a hit.


Matyas Tebabu
[email protected]

This recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing! The fish was crispy and flavorful, and the herb sauce was a great addition. Will definitely be making this again.


Kelebogile Kadi
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The fish is always cooked perfectly, and the herb sauce is delicious. I highly recommend it!


Mr. Dreamzzz
[email protected]

This recipe was a hit with my family! The fish was crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and the herb sauce was the perfect complement. Even my picky kids loved it!