Lingcod with Hazelnut Brown Butter Sauce
Tender, flaky lingcod fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and drizzled with a rich, nutty brown butter sauce studded with toasted hazelnuts. A simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the best of Pacific Northwest flavors.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Fish
- b.Using paper towels, pat the lingcod fillets completely dry on all sides. This is the key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- c.Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Lingcod
- b.Place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the seasoned lingcod fillets in the hot pan. If they have skin, place them skin-side down first.
- d.Sear for 3-5 minutes per side without moving them, until a golden crust forms and the fish is cooked through. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- e.Once cooked, transfer the fish to a serving platter and keep warm.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Hazelnut Brown Butter Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet.
- c.Allow the butter to melt, then continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. It will foam, then the foam will subside.
- d.Watch carefully for about 3-4 minutes as the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn a toasty brown and the butter develops a nutty aroma.
- e.Immediately add the chopped hazelnuts and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until they are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- f.Quickly remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the butter from burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Off the heat, stir the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the brown butter sauce. The sauce will sizzle and bubble.
- c.Immediately spoon the warm hazelnut brown butter sauce over the seared lingcod fillets.
- d.Serve at once with sides like roasted asparagus, creamy polenta, or a simple green salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your fish is very dry before seasoning. A wet surface will steam instead of sear, preventing a crispy crust.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the fish. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve a good sear.
- 3Brown butter can go from perfectly nutty to burnt in seconds. The moment you smell a nutty aroma and see golden-brown specks, it's ready.
- 4Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can taste harsh and metallic.
- 5This sauce is also excellent with other firm white fish like halibut, cod, or rockfish.
- 6For an extra layer of flavor, toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes before chopping them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Nuts
If you don't have hazelnuts, this sauce works beautifully with slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts.
Herb VariationsHerb Variations
Substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Add CapersAdd Capers
For a briny kick, add a tablespoon of drained capers to the sauce along with the lemon juice and parsley.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter as it browns for a subtle touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Lingcod provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
This dish features monounsaturated fats from olive oil and hazelnuts, along with omega-3 fatty acids from the lingcod. These fats are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Supports Brain Function
The omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, found in lingcod are crucial for brain health and cognitive function. Hazelnuts also contribute vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving contains approximately 490-520 calories, depending on the exact size of the fish fillet and amount of butter used. It's a nutrient-dense meal rich in protein and healthy fats.