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    Home » Seafood

    Pan-Seared Orange Roughy

    Published: Oct 17, 2022 · Modified: Dec 25, 2023 · 6 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

    This delicious pan-seared orange roughy is made with fish seared in butter and oil, and then served with a lemon and caper pan sauce.

    Pan-seared orange roughy with a lemon caper sauce served on a plate.

    Pan-searing is one of my favorite techniques for a sure-to-be-delicious fish dinner.

    It's perfect for bass, catfish, hake, haddock, salmon steaks, grouper, black cod, and more.

    Pan-searing is fairly quick, and when done right, it helps keep the fish tender and juicy! A little butter, oil, and flour ensure a mouth-watering result.

    This pan-seared orange roughy is easy to make, and includes a lemon and caper sauce to brighten up the flavor.

    What Does Orange Roughy Taste Like?

    It's a mild, slightly sweet white fish. It's flaky and delicate!

    Want more white fish recipes? Try pan-seared rockfish, panko lingcod, blackened halibut with a spicy yogurt sauce, or a cod reuben sandwich.

    How Can I Find Sustainably Caught Fish?

    Since orange roughy is slow to mature, it's vulnerable to overfishing.

    Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) check on the packaging to be sure that it meets high sustainability standards.

    Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

    This recipe uses flour, but it's absolutely fine to swap in a gluten-free all-purpose variety!

    When I do gluten-free cooking, I like Cup 4 Cup as a substitute.

    You can also skip the flour if you prefer, though the fish may not sear quite as well.

    How to Make Pan-Seared Orange Roughy

    Pat the fillets dry, and then coat them in some flour, salt and pepper.

    In a heavy pan, melt butter and olive oil. I like this Lodge 12" carbon steel skillet.

    Cook the breaded fillets for about three minutes.

    Floured orange roughy in a pan.
    Cook Orange Roughy Fillets

    Test the fish to see if it's ready to flip by sliding a spatula underneath each fillet. If they release, they're ready. If not, let them cook a bit longer.

    The Wusthof fish spatula is great for this task. I've also heard great things about this OXO fish spatula.

    After you've flipped the fish, add more butter to the top of each fillet.

    Fish with butter in a pan.
    Flip the Fillets and Add More Butter

    Cook the fillets for another few minutes, until they are golden on the top and bottom and opaque all the way through.

    When done, move the fish to plates. Cover to keep them warm while you make a quick pan sauce.

    For the sauce, stir lemon juice, capers, and the butter that was left in the pan. Add whatever herbs you're using. When the sauce is warm, pour it over the fish and serve right away!

    Need side dishes to go with your pan-seared orange roughy? We suggest some black rice (stovetop or in the Instant Pot), a brussels sprouts salad with tahini dressing, or some roasted carrots. Enjoy!

    Pan-seared orange roughy with a lemon caper sauce served on a plate.
    pan-seared hake on a serving tray.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 7 votes

    Pan-Seared Orange Roughy

    This delicious pan-seared orange roughy is made with fish seared in butter and oil, and then served with a lemon and caper pan sauce.
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time2 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time12 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: French
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 279kcal
    Freezer Friendly?
    No
    Will It Keep?
    No
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounce orange roughy (2 fillets)
    • 1 tablespoon flour Use gluten-free AP flour if needed
    • pinch salt, pepper
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 1 tablespoon capers
    • small handful fresh herbs (such as fresh rosemary, chives, or oregano)

    Instructions

    • Pat orange roughy fillets dry.  Dust with flour, and shake off any excess.  Sprinkle them on both sides with salt and pepper.
      Prepare a heavy pan with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Heat on medium-high until butter is melted but not browned, then turn the heat down to medium.
    • Place the fillets in the pan and cook about 3 minutes. Don't touch the fillets until they're ready to flip.
      Use a thin metal spatula to test the fish.  If you can slide the spatula under the fish without the fish sticking to the pan, it's ready to flip. If the fillets won't release, give them another 30 seconds. They'll release when they've finished cooking.
      After flipping, divide the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over both fillets.
    • Cook fish another 2-3 minutes until done. Fish will be golden on both the top and bottom and opaque all the way through when finished cooking.
      Transfer the fish to plates, leaving the excess butter in the pan. Cover fish to keep warm, or set fish in a 200ºF oven.
      Reduce heat to medium.  Add the lemon juice and capers, and stir with a wooden spoon. Add half the herbs and stir again. 
      Serve fish hot with pan sauce and remaining herbs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 279kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) | Protein: 20g (40%) | Fat: 19g (29%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 98mg (33%) | Sodium: 476mg (21%) | Potassium: 273mg (8%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 447IU (9%) | Vitamin C: 29mg (35%) | Calcium: 30mg (3%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Comments

    All commentsI made this
    1. Alisha Trenalone says

      October 27, 2022 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Made this as a dinner for one, and will make it again! Love the little bit of crunchiness from the flour coating on the fish.

      Disclaimer: I am an employee of Champagne Tastes, but made this recipe on my own time and opinions are my own!

      Reply
      • Virginia Webb says

        May 07, 2023 at 8:53 pm

        5 stars
        This recipe is simple and delicious! We loved it. Served it with Zatarins brand “cilantro lime” rice and Parmesan brussel sprouts. Light and yummy!

        Reply
        • Alisha Trenalone says

          May 08, 2023 at 12:54 pm

          So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know 😄

          -Alisha at Champagne Tastes

          Reply
    2. Jane says

      April 15, 2023 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      I have made this three times now, and absolutely love how delicious and easy it is to cook. I am not experienced with cooking fish, but I am delighted how much confidence this recipe gave me. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Alisha Trenalone says

        April 15, 2023 at 7:40 pm

        We're so glad you are finding success with it! Thanks for letting us know 😊

        -Alisha at Champagne Tastes

        Reply
    3. Michele says

      March 01, 2025 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh la la! My husband loved this, he fell in love with me all over again!

      Reply
    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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