Pan-Seared Rockfish with Creamy Dill Sauce

This easy recipe is packed full of white wine and fresh dill flavor. Seared Rockfish with Dill Sauce is the perfect quick dinner with fancy restaurant flavor.

A sophisticated fish dinner made from a short list of simple ingredients. This is our kind of recipe, friends. Chill the wine and break out the fancy plates. Dinner will be ready in minutes!

How does rockfish taste?

Rockfish is a type of fish known for its firm texture, mild and slightly sweet flavor. They are often called rock cod, Pacific snapper, or redfish. Similar fish types include snapper, grouper, and sea bass. 

How should I cook rockfish fillets?

This pan-seared rockfish recipe is a winner, but baking rockfish and serving it with an herb sauce is another great option. Rockfish tacos can be made with a simple Baked Taco Recipe, or use rockfish fillets for a beer-battered Baja Fish Taco party. 

What You'll Need to Make Rockfish with Dill Sauce

Before we get to the step-by-step instructions, a few words about the ingredients:

I love using rockfish fillets in this recipe, but you can choose any mild-flavored fish such as snapper, grouper, and sea bass (branzino), haddock, pollock or cod. 

The white part of green onions bring a mildly oniony taste to the sauce. Substitute finely diced shallot, leeks or yellow onion for similar mild flavor. 

If you prefer cooking without wine, substitute broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the wine. You may need to simmer the sauce a little longer before adding the herbs and cream to reduce the broth and thicken the sauce. 

Dill and Dijon are a lovely a match made in heaven in this sauce. But if you don't care for mustard, skip it altogether. If you have another fresh herb like tarragon, basil or chives, they will also bring the sauce to life. 

Full measurements and ingredients listed in the printable recipe card below.

How to make this saucy, pan-seared rockfish

Step 1: Season Fish and Lightly Coat

Dry fish well with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge fillets in flour, dusting off any excess. 

Step 2: Sear Fish to a Golden Brown

Heat one tablespoon of butter and two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add seasoned rockfish fillets to the hot pan. Cook for about 4 minutes. Using a fork or thin fish spatula, check fish for browning. Once you see a golden brown color, turn the fillets in the pan, leaving them to cook through. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the fillets, but generally about 3-3 ½ minutes on the second side. 

Step 4: Keep Fish Warm While Making Creamy Dill Sauce

Set your oven to warm or 250℉, to hold the fish fillets while you prepare the quick sauce for the rockfish recipe. Once the fish is golden brown on each side, gently move them to a baking sheet and place in the oven. Wipe out the pan and return it to the burner. 

Step 5: Whip Up That White Wine Dill Sauce

Melt remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the pan and add the diced green onions (but the white parts only). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until tender and fragrant, but not browning. Add white wine to the pan, turning the burner up to medium-high heat to allow the wine to rapidly simmer and reduce, about 2 minutes.

Add stock and Dijon mustard, whisking and simmering until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and add cream and fresh dill, whisking to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning. 

Step 6: Serve!

Plate your delicious pan-seared rockfish fillets with creamy white wine dill sauce and serve with lemon slices and more fresh herbs. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Serving Suggestions:

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