RecipesThe Berghoff RestaurantWhitefish

Whitefish Recipe

inspired by

@theberghoffrestaurant

Feb 08 2026

35m

Serves 4

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Recipe information

Make Whitefish in just 35m. Lake Superior whitefish, dill-caper butter sauce

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Ingredients

Whitefish

Dill-Caper Butter Sauce

Preparation

Whitefish

1. Prep fish

Pat the whitefish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

2. Dust

Place 1/2 cup flour on a plate and lightly dredge each fillet, shaking off excess. This helps form a light crust and helps the sauce adhere.

3. Cook

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. When the butter foams and the pan is hot (but not smoking), add the fillets skin-side down if skin is on; otherwise place presentation side down first. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Carefully flip and cook the second side 2–3 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 125–130°F (52–54°C) for moist flaky fish, or until opaque and flakes easily. Transfer cooked fillets to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil while you make the sauce.

4. Finish

If the pan has browned bits, you can spoon a little of the finished sauce over the fillets before serving for extra flavor. Serve each fillet with a lemon wedge.

Dill-Caper Butter Sauce

5. Sweat aromatics

In the same skillet used for the fish, reduce heat to medium and add 6 tbsp unsalted butter. When the butter has melted, add the minced shallot and cook 1–2 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Deglaze

Add 1/4 cup dry white wine (or stock) to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Allow the liquid to reduce by about half, 1–2 minutes.

7. Emulsify

Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional) and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Continue stirring and allow the sauce to come together. If needed, remove the pan from heat and whisk in any remaining cold butter (if you prefer a richer sauce) in small pieces to emulsify and slightly thicken the sauce.

8. Add flavorings

Stir in 2 tsp chopped capers and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon to your preference.

9. Finish sauce

Warm the sauce gently for 30–60 seconds without boiling. The finished sauce should be silky and lightly thickened. Spoon generously over the cooked whitefish fillets and serve immediately.

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