Imagine a dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This Pan Fried Fish with Sweet Onion and Dill is not just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure that combines the delicate flavors of perfectly cooked fish with the sweet, caramelized notes of onions and the fresh, aromatic touch of dill. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food critics at your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 fish fillets (salmon or similar)
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove fish fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat fish fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior when pan-frying.
- Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Slice the sweet onion into thin, uniform rings to promote even and quick cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot pan, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes without moving them.
- Add sliced sweet onions around the fish fillets, allowing them to caramelize and soften.
- Gently flip the fish using a thin spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the fish and onions.
- Transfer the fish and caramelized onions to serving plates, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh dill if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your fish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture Matters: Pat your fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior and prevents steaming.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Seasoning both sides of the fish creates a flavor-packed crust.
- Oil and Heat Management: Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet and heat the olive oil until it shimmers. The right temperature prevents sticking and promotes beautiful browning.
- Hands-Off Technique: Once the fish is in the pan, resist the urge to move it. Let it develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes before flipping.
- Caramelization is Your Friend: Adding onions to the same pan allows them to soak up the fish's delicious cooking juices while developing a sweet, golden color.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Sprinkle fresh dill just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
