Best Pacific Coast Butterfish Recipes

EASY LEMON BUTTER FISH IN 15 MINUTES

Steps:

• Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry excess moisture from fish fillets - this step is crucial for fish to brown nicely in pan. Set aside.
• In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more kosher salt, if desired.
• In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Evenly press spice mixture onto all sides of fish fillets.
• In a large, heavy pan over medium high heat, heat up the olive oil until hot. Once your oil is sizzling, Cook 2 fish fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding (allows for even browning.) Cook each side just until fish becomes opaque, feels somewhat firm in the center, and is browned - lightly drizzle some of the lemon butter sauce as you cook, reserving the rest for serving. Take care not to over-cook, as that will result in a tougher texture. Season with extra kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve fish with with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.

MISOYAKI BUTTERFISH

Steps:

• Make the marinade. Combine mirin, sake, and sugar in a saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then turn the heat to low.
• Add the white miso. Simmer and whisk for 5-10 minutes until the marinade is smooth and caramel in color. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Wash and pat dry the black cod fillets (make sure it is completely dry). Place all four filets into a large Ziploc bag. Pour the cooled marinade over the fish. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
• When you're ready to eat, wipe (do not rinse) excess marinade from the fish. Cook in the oven at 450F for 5-8 minutes. Then broil for 1-2 minutes, until the top is deeply caramelized and golden.
• Eat with rice! Enjoy ^_^

FRIED BUTTERFISH

Steps:

• Have the fishmonger scale and remove the heads from the fish. Wash and clean the fish and pat them dry with paper towels. Preheat 2 inches of oil for frying to 375 degrees in a deep, heavy skillet. While the oil is heating, mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper and coat both sides of the fish with the mixture. Place the butterfish in the hot oil and fry for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally so that both sides are well browned. Drain them on paper towels and serve hot. They are as good for breakfast accompanied by grits and biscuits as they are for dinner with smothered cabbage or collard greens and cornbread.