Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh perch fillets pan-seared with a bright lemon-herb crust, served with seasonal vegetables. This seafood-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs perch fillets, all-purpose flour, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat perch fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add perch fillets and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip fillets and cook for 2 more minutes. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over the fish, add 2 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Tilt pan and spoon butter mixture over fish until butter emulsifies and coats the surface.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve immediately with remaining lemon slices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep perch fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Perch with Lemon?

Seafood one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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