"Poor Man's Lobster" – Monkfish with Herb Browned Butter
Recipe video above. With sweet, meaty shellfish-like flesh, monkfish is affectionately known as "poor man's lobster". But there's certainly nothing "poor" about this dish!If you're new to cooking monkfish, this is a good recipe to try. It's easy and showcases

Ingredients
2 servings
Instructions
- Cut fillets: Cut each monkfish into 3 or 4 even size pieces. (Note 1)
- Season: Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt and pepper.
- Rack for resting: Place a rack over a tray (optional, for resting fish, Note 5)
- Heat oil: Heat oil in non-stick pan over medium heat (medium-high for weak stoves).
- Sear first side, then turn: Place thickest pieces of fish in the pan first. Leave for 1 minute then add the thinner pieces. (Note 4). Cook for a further 2 minutes, then flip fish.
- Add butter and baste: Add butter to pan. After it starts melting, add garlic and thyme. When the butter starts foaming, tilt the pan and start spooning the butter over the fish. Do this for 2 minutes or until the internal temperature is 55°C/131°F (Note 6), or the flesh flakes easily. Butter will begin to smell nutty - it's now brown butter!
- Rest: Transfer fish onto the rack and rest for 3 minutes.
- Add herbs: Add herbs to butter remaining in pan. Serve this Herb Brown Butter with monkfish.
- Slice monkfish into 2.5cm / 1" pieces. Place on pea puree, then drizzle with Herb Brown Butter. Optional garnish with any combination of dill, parsley, chervil.
Nutrition per serving
Protein21g
Carbs1g
Fat24g
308kcal
21gProtein
1gCarbs
24gFat
💰 Cost Estimate
Total Ingredients
$590.00
$590.00
Per Serving
$295.00/serving
$295.00/serving
🏠 Savings
~$1180.00 vs buying!
~$1180.00 vs buying!
📋 Price Breakdown (70% ingredients detected)
| Ingredient | Amount | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| / 10oz monkfish fillets | 300 g | $528.00 |
| extra virgin olive oil | 0.5 tbsp | $17.00 |
| salt | 0.25 tsp | - |
| black pepper | 0.125 tsp | $3.00 |
| / 30g unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | $33.00 |
| arlic cloves | 2 g | $3.00 |
| sprigs thyme | 2 | - |
| parsley | 0.5 tsp | $6.00 |
| chives | 0.5 tsp | - |
| chervil | 0.5 tsp | - |
*Estimated market prices, may vary by region
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