Flavorful Fish Seasoning with Butter for Perfectly Spiced Fish Recipe
Introduction
This versatile fish seasoning blend adds a smoky, spicy depth to any fish fillets, making your meal flavorful and memorable. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it enhances the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp celery salt (or 3/4 tsp salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp mace
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground clove
- 1/8 tsp ginger powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or pure chili powder)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
- 750g / 1.5lb fish fillets, skinless and boneless (such as flathead)
- 45g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 30g / 2 tbsp extra unsalted butter, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients—celery salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, mustard powder, mace, allspice, ground clove, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cardamom. Mix well. This mix will keep for months in an airtight container and is enough for 750g of fish.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish fillets. Gently rub it in to ensure it adheres.
- Step 3: Heat 30g of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish fillets in batches, turning once, until both sides are golden and the fish is cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Remove cooked fish to a plate.
- Step 4: Melt the remaining 15g of butter in the skillet and cook the remaining fish fillets using the same method.
- Step 5: Let the cooked fish rest for 3 minutes to finish cooking and retain moisture.
- Step 6: (Optional) For extra richness, melt the additional 30g of unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat until foaming. Drizzle this butter sauce over the fish when serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use celery salt for a subtle celery flavor, or substitute with regular salt if preferred.
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Try this seasoning on other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Fresh lemon juice squeezed over the fish just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
Storage
Store the prepared seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to several months. Cooked fish is best eaten immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this seasoning for frozen fish fillets?
Yes, this seasoning works well with frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning for the best results.
What type of pan is best for cooking the fish?
A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking this fish to prevent sticking and to achieve an even golden crust without using too much fat.
PrintFlavorful Fish Seasoning with Butter for Perfectly Spiced Fish Recipe
This flavorful Fish Seasoning recipe enhances any fish dish with a blend of aromatic spices including celery salt, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect for seasoning 750g (1.5lb) of skinless, boneless fish fillets, this seasoning mix can be made ahead and stored for months. The fish is pan-cooked in butter to achieve a golden crust and served with an optional rich butter sauce for an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Fish Seasoning Mix
- 1 tsp celery salt (or 3/4 tsp salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp mace
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground clove
- 1/8 tsp ginger powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or pure chilli powder)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Main Ingredients
- 750g (1.5lb) fish fillets, skinless and boneless (flathead recommended)
- 45g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 30g (2 tbsp) extra unsalted butter for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish Seasoning: Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container; the blend will keep fresh for months. This amount is sufficient for 750g (1.5lb) of fish.
- Season the Fish: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the fish fillets and lightly rub to ensure even coverage.
- Cook the First Batch of Fish: Heat 30g (2 tbsp) of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish fillets in batches until golden brown on each side; cooking times vary depending on thickness but generally about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove cooked fish to a plate.
- Cook the Remaining Fish: Melt the remaining 15g (1 tbsp) butter in the skillet and cook the remaining fish fillets using the same method.
- Rest the Fish: Allow the cooked fish to rest on the plate for 3 minutes to redistribute juices and finish cooking gently.
- Make the Optional Butter Sauce: Place the 30g (2 tbsp) extra unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat and melt until foaming. Drizzle this flavorful butter sauce over the fish before serving for extra richness.
Notes
- Using skinless, boneless fillets like flathead ensures even cooking and easier seasoning application.
- The seasoning mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container to save time.
- Adjust cayenne or chili powder to taste depending on desired spiciness.
- Butter used for cooking can be substituted with oil for a lighter version, but butter adds a richer flavor.
- Resting the fish after cooking helps retain moisture and improves texture.
Keywords: fish seasoning, pan-fried fish, fish spice mix, easy fish recipe, butter fish, seafood seasoning
