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Easy Butter Poached Fish photo

Butter Poached Fish

This Butter Poached Fish is a luxurious dish that's surprisingly easy to make! Enjoy tender, flaky fish in a rich buttery sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fish (any firm white fish like cod, halibut, or salmon)
  • 6 ounces unsalted butter (divided use)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons finely diced shallots
  • finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, optional)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the shallots finely and chop any herbs you want to use. Set them aside for later.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt 4 ounces of the unsalted butter over low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low to avoid browning the butter, as we want it to remain light and creamy.
  • Once the butter has melted, add the finely diced shallots and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent. Then, stir in the lemon juice, which will add a delightful tang to the butter sauce.
  • Carefully add the fish to the saucepan, ensuring it is fully submerged in the butter. Poach the fish gently for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Using a fish spatula, carefully transfer the poached fish to a plate. Drizzle some of the buttery sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadence!

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Fish spatula
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Let the fish cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container with leftover butter sauce.
  • To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding water or butter to keep it moist.
  • Experiment with different herbs and fish varieties to customize the dish to your taste.