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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$1,150,000

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2206, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,959 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378561

RE/MAX Paradise

$1,150,000

↓ $150,000

28107 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit D106, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,796 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377895

MarMac Real Estate Coastal PHONE: 256-483-0434

$1,150,000

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2706, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,549 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382450

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-8899

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4851 Wharf Parkway Unit 501, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,116 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374033

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$1,149,000

3977 Hatteras Cove, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,271 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381969

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-9198

$1,140,000

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2710, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,958 SqFt Residential MLS® # 371878

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

$1,125,000

↓ $24,999

29235 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 501, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,862 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383118

LPT Realty, LLC

$1,125,000

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C405, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,896 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374955

Emerald Coast Realty

$1,119,000

↓ $6,000

26272 St Lucia Drive, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,250 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379744

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

$1,100,000

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2707, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,959 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384908

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

$1,100,000

26063 Marina Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,915 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386079

RE/MAX on the Coast

$1,100,000

27501 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 511, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,940 SqFt Residential MLS® # 352404

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

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