Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter

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

Spicy blackened redfish pan-seared to perfection and finished with a bright lemon butter sauce for a balanced, flavorful dish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) redfish fillets, blackening seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 redfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 3 tbsp blackening seasoning, pressing to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the fillets to the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving, until the edges are dark and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove fillets from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter?

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 (6 oz each) redfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter?

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 Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Blackened Redfish with Lemon Butter?

American seafood 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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