Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime Butter

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

Fresh Gulf Coast redfish pan-seared with a crisp golden crust, finished with a zesty cilantro lime butter that brightens the rich flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) redfish fillets, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 redfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side for 3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: In the last minute, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the pan. Spoon the melted butter mixture over the fillets repeatedly until fragrant and coated.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with the cilantro lime butter spooned generously over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime 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 Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime 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 Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime 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 Gulf Coast Redfish with Cilantro Lime 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.

Related recipes