Fennel Pollen Crusted Fish
Fennel pollen forms a fragrant, golden crust on flaky white fish fillets.
Dietary
Pescatarian, Keto, Wheat free, Nut free, Halal
Allergens
Fish, Dairy
Fennel pollen brings a floral, anise-like sweetness that turns a quick seared fillet into something distinctive. Pressed onto the fish with salt and a touch of citrus zest, the crust caramelizes in a hot skillet while the interior stays moist and tender. Serve it over greens or alongside roasted vegetables for a light dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (such as halibut, sea bass, or snapper), about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons fennel pollen
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Method
-
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes.
-
In a small bowl, combine the fennel pollen, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
-
Press the fennel pollen mixture evenly onto both sides of each fillet to form a light crust.
-
Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
-
Add the fish to the skillet and sear until a golden crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
-
Flip the fillets, add the butter and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the fish is just opaque and flakes easily, 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Spoon the browned butter over the fillets as they finish cooking, then transfer to plates.
-
Squeeze fresh lemon over the fish, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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Fennel Pollen Crusted Fish
Fennel pollen brings a floral, anise-like sweetness that turns a quick seared fillet into something distinctive. Pressed onto the fish with salt and a touch of citrus zest, the crust caramelizes in a hot skillet while the interior stays moist and tender. Serve it over greens or alongside roasted vegetables for a light dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
20 min 4 servings 310 cal
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (such as halibut, sea bass, or snapper), about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons fennel pollen
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Method
- 1
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the fennel pollen, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- 3
Press the fennel pollen mixture evenly onto both sides of each fillet to form a light crust.
- 4
Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 5
Add the fish to the skillet and sear until a golden crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
- 6
Flip the fillets, add the butter and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the fish is just opaque and flakes easily, 3 to 4 minutes.
- 7
Spoon the browned butter over the fillets as they finish cooking, then transfer to plates.
- 8
Squeeze fresh lemon over the fish, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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