Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful pan-seared redfish inspired by the Texas Gulf Coast, served with a spicy tomato butter sauce that highlights the regional seafood flavors. This seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) redfish fillets, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy, then carefully flip and cook for 3 more minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 2 minced shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and bright red.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the spicy tomato butter sauce over the redfish fillets and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gulf Coast Redfish with Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce?

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 Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce 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 Spicy Tomato Butter Sauce?

Seafood 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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