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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33202 River Road, Orange Beach

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,943 SqFt Residential MLS® # 351716

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27535 E Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386349

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29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7ae3, Orange Beach

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29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1903, Orange Beach

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29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2203, Orange Beach

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26302 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit D1609, Orange Beach

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