Alaskan Citrus Rockfish

30 Min
2 People
250
Calories
Rockfish
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb rockfish fillets (fresh or thawed)
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ cup real salt & pepper mixture
  • 1 lemon (squeezed)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Optional: oil or butter for frying
  • Instructions:

    Citrus Rockfish – A Bright, Flavorful Catch

    Looking for a light, zesty way to cook fish that doesn’t require a ton of effort? This citrus rockfish recipe is the perfect mix of simple ingredients and big flavor. By soaking the fish in a salt-lemon-garlic brine, you not only season it from the inside out, but you also keep the fillets tender and flaky during cooking. Whether you’re cooking fresh or frozen rockfish, this dish is a great way to bring bright, coastal flavors to your table.

    Instructions:

    Step 1: Make the Brine

    In a medium mixing bowl or baking dish:

    • Pour in 4 cups of cold water
    • Stir in ½ cup of a salt and pepper mix
    • Squeeze in the juice of 1 fresh lemon

    Step 2: Brine the Fish

    • Submerge the rockfish fillets in the brine
    • Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes

    Tip: Don’t brine much longer than 30 minutes—rockfish is delicate and can start to break down if soaked too long.

    Step 3: Pat Dry and Preheat

    • Remove fillets from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil or butter

    Tip: Drying the fillets helps them brown better in the pan and avoids splatter.

    Step 4: Pan-Sear with Garlic

    • Add the crushed garlic clove from the brine to the pan, letting it sizzle for 30–60 seconds
    • Place fish fillets in the pan
    • Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and flaky

    Tip: Garlic infuses the oil and gives the fish an aromatic finish.

    Step 5: Serve and Squeeze

    • Plate the fillets with a side of vegetables, salad, or rice
    • Garnish with extra lemon wedges for a burst of citrus right before serving

    Tip: A quick squeeze of lemon at the end wakes everything up—don’t skip it!

    Closing Thoughts

    This Alaskan Citrus Rockfish is light, bright, and full of flavor—the perfect way to showcase a beautiful fillet with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Pair it with coconut rice, grilled asparagus, or a chilled quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal. For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a citrusy IPA, or even a ginger lemonade makes the perfect companion to this zesty, pan-seared dish. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a coastal-inspired date night, this recipe brings fresh Alaskan flavor straight to your table.

    Tags:
    Grilled
    Rockfish