Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of coastal Florida with this mouthwatering Herbed Hogfish recipe straight from the legendary fishing waters of Islamorada! Imagine a dish so fresh and flavorful that it transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Florida Keys with every single bite. This isn't just a recipe; it's a tropical seafood experience that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet paradise, bringing the magic of fresh-caught hogfish right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fillets hogfish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove hogfish fillets from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and even cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine chopped fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a herb marinade. Whisk ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Season both sides of hogfish fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Brush each fillet with the prepared herb marinade, coating both sides and allowing herbs to adhere to the fish.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add remaining olive oil to the heated pan, swirling to create an even coating.
- Carefully place marinated hogfish fillets into the hot pan, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form without moving the fish.
- Gently flip fillets using a thin spatula and cook an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove hogfish from pan and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the fillets and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a lemon wedge if desired.
Tips
- Pat the hogfish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible - the difference in flavor is remarkable.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook fillets in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat and prevent steaming.
- The key to perfectly cooked fish is watching the color change and using the fork-flaking test.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- If hogfish is unavailable, you can substitute with similar white fish like snapper or grouper.
- A cast-iron skillet provides the best heat distribution and creates an incredible golden crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 183kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
