Gulf Coast Kitchen: My Go-To Recipe for Fresh Gulf Fish in Orange Beach, Alabama
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
I cook what I sell. When I’m not showing property in Orange Beach, I’m in the kitchen with whatever the boats brought in that day. This is my reliable, weeknight-simple method for Gulf fish such as red snapper, speckled trout, or triggerfish. It’s fast, bright, and lets the fish speak for itself.
Recipe Card: Seared Gulf Fish with Brown-Butter Citrus and Herbs
Yield: 2 servings
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
-
2 skin-on Gulf fish fillets, 6–8 oz each (snapper, trout, or triggerfish)
-
1 tsp kosher salt, divided
-
1⁄2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-
1⁄2 tsp sweet paprika or blackening seasoning, optional
-
1 Tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed or avocado)
-
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
-
Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
-
1 Tbsp capers, drained
-
2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
-
Lemon wedges, to serve
Equipment
Cast-iron or heavy stainless skillet, thin metal spatula, paper towels
Method
-
Dry and season: Pat fillets dry. Lightly score the skin in three small slashes. Season both sides with 3⁄4 tsp salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
-
Sear: Heat oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Place fish skin-side down, press gently for 10 seconds so the skin stays flat. Cook 3–4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the sides are opaque two-thirds up.
-
Flip and finish: Flip, reduce heat to medium, and cook 1–2 minutes more. Transfer fish to warm plates.
-
Brown-butter citrus: Add butter to the pan. When it foams and smells nutty, swirl in lemon zest and juice, capers, remaining 1⁄4 tsp salt, and herbs. Spoon over fish. Serve with lemon wedges.
Doneness guide: Fish should flake with gentle pressure; FDA guidance is 145°F internal, though many chefs pull a few degrees earlier and rest.
Sourcing Notes I Use in Orange Beach
-
Ask for skin-on fillets cut to even thickness so they cook uniformly.
-
Choose firm, translucent flesh with a clean ocean scent.
-
For shrimp sides, request “dry” shrimp, not chemically treated, for better sear and texture.
-
If you plan to grill, ask for thicker center-cut portions so they won’t break apart.
Two Fast Variations
-
Blackened Gulf Fish: Swap the seasoning for a mild blackening spice. Sear in a very hot skillet with a touch more oil. Finish with a squeeze of orange instead of lemon.
-
Grill Method: Oil and season fillets. Grill skin-side down over medium heat on clean grates 4–6 minutes, then finish flesh-side 1 minute. Spoon the brown-butter citrus at the end.
What I Serve With It
-
Quick tomato and cucumber salad with red wine vinegar and olive oil
-
Steamed jasmine rice or roasted potatoes
-
Sautéed okra or asparagus with garlic
Wine or Beer Pairing
-
Crisp sauvignon blanc, albariño, or a light pilsner. Citrus and herbs keep it fresh enough for warm evenings after showings.
Make-Ahead and Leftovers
-
Brown-butter sauce can be prepped to the foaming stage, then finished with citrus and herbs just before serving.
-
Leftover fish makes a good lunch taco with a cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime.
Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere
SEARCH ORANGE BEACH REAL ESTATE LISTINGS FOR SALE
- All Listings
.gif){kind=logo}
Boat-Friendly Homes on the Gulf Coast: Orange Beach and Ono Island Guide
Gulf Coast Boat-Friendly Living: Where I’d Buy, Dock, and Fish in Orange Beach and Ono Island
Why boat-friendly homes matter here
I work the water as much as the streets in Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/ — and I’ve learned that not all “waterfront” lives the same. The…
What Makes a True “Gulf Boat”: Durability, Style, Ride & Comfort
Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.