Maryland Rockfish with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe – Affordable and Delicious Maryland Recipes

In the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, where the waves whisper tales of maritime heritage, Maryland-style Rockfish with Lemon Butter Sauce emerges as a culinary masterpiece. The firm yet delicate texture of the rockfish, caught fresh from local waters, combined with the bright zest of lemon and the richness of butter, creates a dish that mirrors the soul of Maryland’s coastal cuisine. Join us as we navigate through the steps of crafting this flavorful delight that pays homage to the state’s seafaring traditions.

Recipe: Maryland-Style Rockfish with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 4 Rockfish fillets, skin-on
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rockfish: Pat the rockfish fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.
  2. Sear the Rockfish: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rockfish fillets in the skillet, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Infuse with Lemon Zest and Juice: Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet, allowing the citrusy aroma to infuse the butter. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Introduce the remaining butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt into the lemony mixture. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a touch of Old Bay seasoning for that distinctive Maryland touch.
  6. Coat and Serve: Spoon the luscious lemon butter sauce over the seared rockfish fillets, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Let the fillets rest for a moment, absorbing the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Enjoy: Plate the rockfish fillets, garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley, and serve immediately. The succulent fish, paired with the vibrant lemon butter sauce, is a testament to the coastal flavors that define Maryland cuisine.

A Culinary Journey Through Maryland’s Coastal Legacy

The Maryland-style Rockfish with Lemon Butter Sauce is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of the sea’s bounty and the culinary ingenuity that defines the Chesapeake Bay region. With each bite, savor the marriage of flaky rockfish, the zing of lemon, and the indulgent richness of butter, all coming together in perfect harmony. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, embark on this culinary journey, and let the flavors of Maryland’s coastal legacy transport you to the shores of the Chesapeake. It’s time to indulge in a symphony of flavor that captures the essence of Maryland’s maritime spirit.

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