Published May 04, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2024

Buttery Black Pepper Fish Recipe

The Buttery Black Pepper Fish recipe features perfectly seared flounder fillets, generously drizzled with a delectable buttery black peppercorn sauce, creating a dish everyone enjoys. The secret of this recipe lies in scrumptious buttery black peppercorn sauce, which brings together crushed black peppercorns and melted butter, enhanced by adding extra fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. It’s the best fish recipe that finishes in less than 30 minutes and is served perfectly as a delicious main dish for any occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy fish recipe is simple to prepare. It takes less than 15 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy moms, young professionals, or anyone seeking a delicious meal with minimal effort. The buttery black peppercorn sauce brings a nice little zing, blending perfectly with melted butter and getting a fresh lift from a splash of lemon zest and juice. This tantalizing sauce pairs perfectly with the flaky flounder fillets, elevating the dish to a new level. It’s also a versatile recipe that allows you to easily adapt by substituting flounder with a variety of white fish such as halibut, tilapia, sea bass, or catfish. You may also adjust the tanginess and heat level by varying the amount of black peppercorns.

Ingredients

This pan-seared fish matches perfectly with the buttery black peppercorn sauce and it only needs a few simple ingredients:

Black peppercorns- It’s one of the most common spices worldwide and is well known for its pungent flavor and aroma. Let the crushed black peppercorns dance in the hot melted butter, releasing a depth of flavor and spicy taste that pairs perfectly with the dish. Lemon- The freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest from one lemon adds an extra freshness to the sauce. Skinless flounder fillets- Flounder is a type of white fish that can be easily found from local grocery store. It has a mild taste and a delicate texture. Ground black pepper and salt – Season the fish with ground black pepper and salt to enhance the flavor. All-purpose flour- It can be used as a light coating on fish to help prevent the meat from falling apart easily during cooking.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

How To Make Buttery Black Pepper Fish

Preparing this mouthwatering buttery black pepper fish is quick and effortless, requiring just a few simple steps. Begin by seasoning and coating the flounder fillets with all-purpose flour. Then, sear the fish until it reaches a golden, tender perfection. Flounder fillets cook quickly, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking. Once the fish is cooked, whip up the irresistible buttery black peppercorn sauce in a skillet. Throw in some crushed black peppercorns with melted butter and let that heavenly aroma fill the kitchen. Then, add a splash of lemon zest and juice for that extra zing. Once everything’s ready, generously drizzle the sauce over the seared flounder fillets. And don’t forget to sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. There you have it—a dish that’s simple, delicious, and ready to impress!

Cooking Tips

For the best result, please follow my tips below:

Use fresh, skinless flounder fillets for the best taste. If using frozen flounder fillets, properly thaw the fish at room temperature and let it soak in the water for at least 1 hour. You may also thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight until it’s completely thawed before using.  Pat dry the fish with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps remove the excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when cooked. Gently flip the fish to cook the other side to avoid breaking it apart using a spatula.  Flounder cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should be cooked until it turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.

What To Serve With This Recipe

For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.

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