Imagine a seafood dish so delicately crisp and bursting with flavor that it transports you straight to a coastal kitchen, where fresh ingredients and culinary magic collide. Annie's Peasant Style Pompano is not just a recipe—it's a gastronomic experience that transforms a simple fish into a gourmet masterpiece. With just a few ingredients and some expert techniques, you'll create a meal that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pompano fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove pompano fillets from refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp cooking and proper seasoning adherence.
- Season both sides of the pompano fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the fish to rest at room temperature for 5-7 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring uniform size for even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, adding butter and allowing it to melt completely and begin to slightly foam.
- Carefully place the seasoned pompano fillets into the hot buttered pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Gently flip the fillets using a wide spatula, and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets during the last minute of cooking to add brightness and enhance the fish's natural flavors.
- Transfer cooked pompano to serving plates, spooning any remaining butter and garlic from the pan over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color, aroma, and a touch of herbaceous freshness.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables or light salad.
Tips
- • Always pat the fish dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior. • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the most even heat distribution and best searing. • Let the fish come to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking. • Don't overcrowd the pan—cook fillets in batches if necessary to maintain high heat. • The key to perfectly cooked fish is watching its color change and testing for flakiness. • Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the entire dish, so use a fresh lemon. • Garnish with finely chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
