Looking for a seafood dish that’s both sophisticated and bursting with flavor? Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter is the answer! Known for its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor, monkfish is often referred to as “poor man’s lobster” due to its lobster-like texture. When paired with rich brown butter infused with fresh herbs, this dish becomes a luxurious yet approachable seafood masterpiece.
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for loved ones, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, monkfish with herb brown butter offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress.
This dish is both simple enough to prepare on a weeknight and fancy enough for a special occasion. The buttery sauce complements the fish perfectly, enhancing its natural sweetness without overpowering it. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
What Is Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter?
Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter is a seafood dish that features tender monkfish fillets, pan-seared until golden, and then topped with a flavorful brown butter sauce infused with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. The nutty flavor of brown butter pairs wonderfully with the slightly sweet and firm monkfish, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
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Monkfish: Mild in flavor with a meaty texture, making it perfect for pan-searing.
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Herb Brown Butter: Rich and nutty with aromatic herbs, it enhances the fish without overwhelming it.
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️ Quick & Easy: Despite the gourmet flavor, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Elegant Yet Simple: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
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️ Versatile: Pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter:
For the Monkfish:
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4 monkfish fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil (or butter) for searing
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1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
For the Herb Brown Butter:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary, sage, or parsley)
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Monkfish
Pat the monkfish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps the fish sear properly and get that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Monkfish
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the monkfish fillets. Cook the fillets for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and has a slightly crisp crust. Monkfish is best cooked until just opaque in the center, so be careful not to overcook.
Once cooked, remove the monkfish from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm while you prepare the brown butter sauce.
Step 3: Make the Herb Brown Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt, swirling the pan occasionally. Watch carefully as the butter begins to bubble and turn golden brown. Once the butter has browned and developed a nutty aroma (this should take about 2–3 minutes), add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the fresh thyme (or your choice of herbs) to the butter and let it infuse for 1–2 minutes. The herbs should release their aroma into the butter, creating a fragrant, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Once the herb brown butter is ready, drizzle it over the monkfish fillets. Be sure to spoon some of the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan onto the fish for added flavor.
If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the butter sauce for a bit of brightness and acidity. This adds a lovely contrast to the rich butter sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the monkfish fillets on a platter or individual plates, pouring the herb brown butter over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
What to Serve with Monkfish and Herb Brown Butter?
Monkfish with herb brown butter is a rich, flavorful dish, so pairing it with lighter sides can help balance the meal. Here are a few delicious options:
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect base for the rich brown butter sauce. The potatoes soak up the sauce and add a velvety texture to each bite.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their natural sweetness and crispy edges complement the savory monkfish beautifully.
3. Lemon Herb Rice
A light and zesty lemon herb rice works well with the richness of the brown butter sauce and adds a fresh contrast to the meaty monkfish.
4. Fresh Salad
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a mixed greens salad with goat cheese adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the dish.
5. Grilled Asparagus or Broccolini
The slightly charred, smoky flavor of grilled vegetables provides a perfect contrast to the buttery monkfish and is easy to prepare alongside the main dish.
Tips for the Perfect Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter
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Don’t Overcook the Monkfish
Monkfish can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Be sure to cook it until just opaque in the center. The fish will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the pan. -
Use High-Quality Butter
Because brown butter is the star of this dish, using high-quality, unsalted butter is essential. The butter’s flavor will shine through, creating a rich, nutty sauce. -
Herb Variations
Feel free to experiment with the herbs you use in the brown butter. Thyme, rosemary, and sage are classic choices, but you can also try using tarragon, oregano, or even dill for a different twist. -
Serve Immediately
Brown butter can start to solidify as it cools, so it’s best to serve this dish immediately after preparing it. You want the butter sauce to remain silky and pourable.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~400
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants from fresh herbs
Final Thoughts
Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter is a truly exquisite dish that combines the delicate, sweet flavor of monkfish with the nutty richness of brown butter and the aromatic freshness of herbs. It’s the perfect dish to showcase the versatility and sophistication of seafood, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to elevate your home cooking, this dish is a must-try. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet feels indulgent and luxurious. So, treat yourself and your guests to a plate of perfectly cooked monkfish drizzled with fragrant herb brown butter—the perfect seafood indulgence.
