Lemon-Caper Rockfish Delight
This elegant Lemon-Caper Rockfish Delight is a twist on a classic recipe, originally featuring delicate trout but adapted to showcase the flaky goodness of rockfish. Inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors found in European cuisine, this dish beautifully combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the distinctive taste of capers, and the rich depth of dry vermouth, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any meal. Served over a bed of orzo or rice to soak up the delicious sauce, this dish is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or for enjoying a simple yet gourmet dinner at home.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
rockfish fillets
24 ounces (filleted)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
olive oil
1/4 teaspoon (for cooking)
dry vermouth (or white wine)
1/3 cup (liquid)
grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons (zested)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
capers
1 tablespoon (drained)
dried herbs (like herbes de Provence)
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
butter
1 tablespoon (chilled and cut into pieces)
fresh flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl it around to evenly coat the pan.
2
While the skillet heats, season the rockfish fillets generously on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
3
Carefully place the seasoned fillets in the skillet, cooking them for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
4
Once cooked, transfer the fish to a warm plate and cover lightly to keep it warm.
5
In the same skillet, add the dry vermouth, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, capers, and dried herbs. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally, to combine the flavors.
6
Reduce the heat to low and add the chilled butter into the pan, whisking continuously until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and emulsified.
7
Plate the rockfish and generously pour the luscious sauce over each fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
13g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Caper Rockfish Delight?
It is an elegant seafood dish featuring flaky rockfish fillets in a zesty sauce made with lemon, capers, and dry vermouth, inspired by European cuisine.
How many calories are in this rockfish recipe?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of Lemon-Caper Rockfish?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of protein.
What can I substitute for dry vermouth?
You can use an equal amount of dry white wine as a substitute for the dry vermouth.
How long does it take to cook the rockfish fillets?
The fillets should be cooked for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features the zesty brightness of lemon, the distinctive salty taste of capers, and the rich depth of dry vermouth.
How do I know when the rockfish is fully cooked?
The rockfish is done when it is golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork.
What is the best side dish to serve with this recipe?
It is best served over a bed of orzo or rice, which helps soak up the luscious lemon-caper sauce.
How much rockfish do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of rockfish fillets.
What kind of herbs should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs, such as herbes de Provence, for optimal flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is chilled butter used in the sauce?
Whisking in chilled butter at the end of the process helps create a smooth, emulsified, and thick sauce.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the delicate fish fillets from sticking while cooking.
Should the capers be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the 1 tablespoon of capers should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish is a twist on a classic recipe originally featuring trout, adapted with European-inspired flavors.
How do I prepare the lemon for this dish?
You will need 2 teaspoons of grated lemon rind (zest) and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is considered a quick and healthy one-pan meal, suitable for both weeknights and dinner parties.
What garnish should I use?
The dish should be garnished with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley.
How much salt and pepper should be used for seasoning?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to season the fillets.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The mixture of vermouth, lemon, and capers should simmer for about 30 seconds before adding the butter.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy seafood dish with a relatively low calorie count of 160 per serving.
What preparation is needed for the rockfish?
The rockfish should be filleted and seasoned on both sides before cooking.
How much olive oil is used?
Only 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil is needed to coat the skillet for cooking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, especially since the recipe also requires fresh lemon rind.
Is this a gourmet meal?
Yes, despite being simple to prepare, the flavor profile and presentation are considered gourmet.
What is the recommended heat setting for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat for cooking the fish.
How should the fish be kept warm after cooking?
Transfer the cooked fish to a warm plate and cover it lightly while you prepare the sauce.
Can I use dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnishing to provide a fresh burst of flavor.
What does the butter do to the sauce texture?
Whisking in the chilled butter makes the sauce smooth and luscious, creating a professional finish.