Go Back

Simple & Delicious Pan-Seared Whiting Fish Recipes

Discover the best pan-seared whiting fish recipes! This easy guide will show you how to cook flaky, flavorful whiting fillets to perfection in minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Seafood
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs whiting fillets skin on or off (about 4-6 fillets)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or other high-heat cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for richness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1 lemon half juiced, half cut into wedges for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Pat the whiting fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a nice sear and preventing sticking.
  2. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. If using butter and garlic, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan and swirl until the butter melts and garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, then proceed to add the fish.
  4. Carefully place the whiting fillets into the hot skillet, presentation side down (usually the side without skin, if applicable). Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Sear the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
  6. In the last minute of cooking, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fillets. If you added garlic earlier, you can baste the fish with the pan juices.
  7. Remove the whiting from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.