This skillet herbed fish is a simple yet elegant dish inspired by classic French cooking. Tender white fish fillets are pan-seared and infused with aromatic herbs for a light, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, fresh, and incredibly versatile. It uses minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor thanks to a fragrant herb blend. The fish cooks in one pan, requires very little prep, and pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. It’s a wholesome, halal-friendly dish that feels refined without being complicated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1.5 pounds white fish fillets such as tilapia, halibut, cod, sea bass, snapper, or catfish, preferably skinless
2 tablespoons herbs de Provence seasoning
1 tablespoon canola oil or any neutral vegetable oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl the pan to coat the surface evenly.
Pat the fish fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the herbs de Provence evenly over the fish, pressing gently so the herbs adhere. If the fillets have skin, season only the flesh side.
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the fish into the skillet. If the fish has skin, place it skin-side down first. Reduce the heat to medium.
Cook the fish for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the bottom is golden and releases easily from the pan. Flip gently and cook the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
For a one-pan meal, add diced small red potatoes tossed with oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet first. Cook them for about 10 minutes before pushing them to the side and cooking the fish.
You can also add sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans to the pan for extra vegetables.
If you prefer a richer finish, drizzle the cooked fish with a little melted butter infused with herbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Mild white fish with a firm texture works best, such as cod, halibut, snapper, or tilapia.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking.
Do I need to remove the skin?
Skinless fillets are preferred, but skin-on fillets can be used if cooked skin-side down first.
Can I cook this in olive oil instead?
Yes, olive oil can be used, but keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is aromatic and savory, not spicy.
Can I add garlic?
Yes, minced garlic can be added to the oil just before placing the fish in the pan.
What sides go well with skillet herbed fish?
Roasted potatoes, fresh salad, sautéed greens, or steamed vegetables pair very well.
Can I bake the fish instead?
Yes, you can bake it at 200°C (400°F) for about 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored briefly for next-day meals.
Conclusion
Skillet herbed fish is a quick, flavorful dish that highlights the beauty of simple ingredients and classic technique. With its tender texture and fragrant herbs, it’s a reliable recipe you can return to whenever you want a wholesome, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Skillet herbed fish is a quick and elegant pan-seared dish featuring tender white fish fillets seasoned with herbs de Provence. It’s light, aromatic, and perfect for a wholesome, weeknight-friendly meal.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds white fish fillets (tilapia, halibut, cod, sea bass, snapper, or catfish)
