Delicious Butter Poached Monkfish Recipe for Seafood Lovers

If you’re looking for a new seafood recipe to try out, this Butter Poached Monkfish recipe might be just what you need.

The recipe features cooking fresh monkfish in a rich, buttery sauce garnished with fresh herbs. The butter-poached monkfish is easy to cook while still remaining a true delicacy.

This recipe article contains everything you need to make the perfect butter-poached monkfish dish.

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Tips for Making the Best Butter-Poached Monkfish

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are some tips to help you make the perfect dish:

Choosing the Best Monkfish: The success of a butter-poached monkfish recipe relies heavily on this step. As such, look for fresh, firm fillets. They should be free from any signs of discoloration or odors.

Don’t Skimp on the Butter: This dish is called “butter poached monkfish” for a reason. Butter is one of the key ingredients. It adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the fish. Use plenty of butter, and don’t skimp on the fat.

Be Gentle with the Fish: If you are after the perfect-looking dish, this tip is critical. Monkfish is a delicate fish. It can easily fall apart if you handle it too roughly. When searing the fillets, be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid moving them around too much.

Use High-Quality Wine and Broth: Always use high-quality ingredients to get the best sauce. Some wine options you can use include Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. 

Serve with a Simple Side Dish: This is a rich and indulgent dish. Therefore, serving it with a light side dish is best. Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus work well. 

close-up view of butter-poached monkfish fillet

What is Monkfish?

Monkfish is a deep-water fish mostly found in the North Atlantic. It is known for its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Monkfish is also known for being quite ugly, but rest assured, it is absolutely delicious! It is a common ingredient in French cuisine. It is commonly prepared using traditional butter poaching techniques.

Can I Use a Different Fish?

While monkfish is the default fish choice for this recipe, you are welcome to try other types of fish. To give you some ideas, halibut, cod, and sea bass are all good alternatives. They will go well with the buttery, creamy sauce.

Is Butter-Poached Monkfish Healthy?

Butter-poached monkfish is undoubtedly not a low-calorie or low-fat dish. It can be a delicious treat if you enjoy it in controlled quantities. If you’re seeking a lighter option, try poaching the fish in broth or white wine instead of butter.

Can I Use Frozen Monkfish for This Recipe?

While we recommend using fresh monkfish, you can still use frozen monkfish. However, it is essential that you thaw it correctly.