Remember that time when my cousin visited from the city, expecting some fancy, complicated meal? I made her this grilled skate with brown butter and lemon, and she was absolutely floored. Sometimes the simplest things are truly the best, especially when the ingredients shine. This recipe highlights the delicate flavor of skate wings, enhanced by a luscious brown butter sauce infused with bright lemon notes. Trust me, it's easier than it sounds, and the results are restaurant-worthy!
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Skate, with its unique cartilage structure instead of bones, offers a tender, almost scallop-like texture that's incredibly appealing. The brown butter sauce complements the fish perfectly, adding a nutty richness that's balanced by the acidity of the lemon. It's a dish that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don't be intimidated by 'browning butter' – I will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring perfect results every time. It just takes a little patience, or maybe it's becuase I do it so often. And I've screwed it up sometimes! It just turns black.
I know, I know, skate might not be the first fish that comes to mind when you're planning dinner. But honestly, it's worth stepping outside your comfort zone! It's readily available, relatively inexpensive, and cooks up in a flash. Plus, it's a sustainable seafood choice, which is always a win in my book. So, grab some skate wings from your local fishmonger and let's get cooking! Oh, and if your fishmonger looks at you funny when you ask for skate, just tell 'em Eleanor sent ya! JK!!
Required Equipments
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
Grilled Skate with Brown Butter and Lemon: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Skate with Brown Butter and Lemon
Grilled skate with brown butter and lemon is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender skate wings seared to perfection and drizzled with a flavorful brown butter sauce, brightened with lemon. This quick and easy recipe is sure to impress!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first: pat the skate wings completely dry with paper towels. This is SUPER important, trust me. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
- Season both sides of the skate wings generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy – this is your chance to really bring out the flavor.
- Place a large skillet (cast iron is fantastic if you have one) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, carefully place the skate wings in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to do this in batches.
- Sear the skate wings for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The fish should release easily from the pan when it's ready to flip. If it sticks, give it another minute.
- Flip the skate wings gently with tongs and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, until cooked through and slightly opaque. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the skate is cooking, start on the brown butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter begins to foam, then turns a nutty brown color and smells like toasted hazelnuts. Watch it like a hawk, it burns easily!
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. The sauce will sizzle and bubble – that's normal. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful, hot butter spits!
- To serve, place the grilled skate wings on a plate. Drizzle generously with the brown butter and lemon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A lemon wedge on the side is always a nice touch.
- Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. I like asparagus, but anything works.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Calcium: 50mg
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