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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Flip and finish: Flip, reduce heat to medium, and cook 1–2 minutes more. Transfer fish to warm plates.

4. 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.

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$1,200,000

26594 Cotton Bayou Drive, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 386657

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-533-6677

$1,199,000

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1107, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,959 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380888

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27070 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1e, Orange Beach

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23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3008, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,959 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379877

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-233-6695

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25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2104, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370080

SeaMitchell Realty & Gulf Beach Rentals PHONE: 251-979-5613

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26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1703, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,496 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384811

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

$1,195,000

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25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2005, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378271

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-752-0497

$1,185,000

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25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2004, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378136

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3564 Bayou Road Unit C205, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,953 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386318

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30951 Osprey Court, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,833 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384371

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28105 E Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C715, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,380 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384162

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

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