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Lemony butter white fish and lemon wedges on a plate.
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4.89 from 9 votes

Butter Poached with Lemon and Shallots

A simple French technique that keeps fish silky and tender every time. Monkfish cooks gently in seasoned butter with lemon juice and shallots for rich, clean flavor.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Butter Poached Fish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 268kcal
Author Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces unsalted butter divided use
  • 2 teaspoons finely diced shallots
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 12 ounces white fish fillets skin removed
  • sea salt for finishing
  • finely chopped fresh herbs such as chives (optional)

Instructions

  • Melt 1 ounce of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, making sure the butter does not brown.
  • Add the lemon juice and the remaining butter. When the butter has melted, gently place the fish in the pan. The cooking liquid should reach about 2/3 of the way up the sides of the fish.
  • Turn the temperature to high. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and cook for an additional minute.
  • Sprinkle sea salt over the fish and serve topped with fresh herbs.

Recipe Tips

  • The fish continues to cook from residual heat for a minute or two after it leaves the pan. Pull it slightly before you think it looks fully done. When pressed gently, the fish should feel firm but with a slight give rather than completely rigid.
  • Keep the poaching liquid below a hard boil throughout the cooking time. A hard boil can cause the butter to break and the fish to cook unevenly. Small, lazy bubbles around the edges of the pan are exactly right.
  • Do not discard the poaching liquid. Strain it through a fine-mesh strainer and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week. The flavored butter makes an excellent finishing sauce for cooked vegetables or a starting point for a simple pan sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 513mg | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 2.9mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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