Pescado Filete Recipe
Make Pescado Filete Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Marinade & Seasoning
Pan Coating & Finish
Optional Garnish / Sides
Method
Marinade & Seasoning
Prepare fish and marinade
Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow dish. In a small bowl combine lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and hot sauce or cayenne if using. Whisk to combine.
Pour the marinade over the fillets ensuring both sides are coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (no more than 45 minutes) to allow flavors to penetrate without 'cooking' the fish in the acid.
Pan Coating & Cook
Dredge and heat pan
When ready to cook, place 1 tablespoon of flour on a shallow plate and gently dredge each fillet on both sides to lightly coat; shake off excess. Heat a large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; allow butter to melt and foam but not brown.
Sear fillets
Add fillets to the pan, skin side down if skin-on, spacing so they do not touch. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until golden and the edges begin to turn opaque. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for 2–4 minutes depending on thickness (about 8–10 minutes total for 1-inch fillets) until an instant-read thermometer reads 130–135°F (54–57°C) for moist, just-cooked fish, or 145°F (63°C) if you prefer fully cooked by USDA standards.
Finish with butter and herbs
In the last 30 seconds, spoon the melted butter and oil from the pan over the fillets (baste) to glaze. Remove fillets to a warm plate. Sprinkle chopped parsley and cilantro over the fish and squeeze a little fresh lime juice on top.
Assembly & Serving
Serve the Pescado Filete immediately with lime wedges. Offer optional garnishes: pickled red onion, sliced avocado, and diced tomato. Serve with cooked rice or warm corn tortillas on the side. Leftover fish keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes: Adjust seasoning and cooking time for thicker or thinner fillets. If cooking multiple batches, keep finished fillets on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to stay warm while you finish the rest.