Pike in Meunière sauce

Delicious recipe for fried fish in meunière sauce with capers and lemon

Passion for cooking! Today, I invite you to discover together a classic and refined recipe: fried fish fillets in meunière sauce. Although the original recipe is often associated with perch, today we will use pike fillets, but you can easily adapt this dish with other types of white fish, such as cod or haddock.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

- 2 pike fillets (250-300 g each) or other white fish
- Approximately 1 cup of flour
- 2 fresh eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the sauce:
- 100 g butter
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons of capers
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Preparing the pike fillets

1. Cleaning and preparing the fish
Start by washing the pike fillets well under cold running water. Make sure to drain them on a paper towel to remove excess water. This will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.

2. Seasoning
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides of the fillets. This step is essential for flavoring the fish, so do not skip it!

3. Preparing the ingredients for frying
In a deep plate, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt. In another plate, sift the flour. This step will facilitate an even coating of the fish.

4. Dipping the fillets in egg and flour
Take a pike fillet and first dip it in the egg, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, dip it in the flour, making sure every corner is well covered. Repeat the process: egg, flour, egg, and once more flour. This double coating will create a delicious and crispy crust.

5. Frying the fish
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fillets; otherwise, they will stick to the pan. Fry the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Once done, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the meunière sauce

1. Melting the butter
In the same skillet, over low heat, add the butter and let it melt slowly. The smell of melted butter is simply irresistible!

2. Adding the sauce ingredients
Once the butter is completely melted, add the lemon juice. You can also use half a fresh lemon, depending on your preferences. Then add the finely chopped parsley and capers for an extra burst of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Serving
Pour the warm sauce over the fried pike fillets and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled endives or boiled potatoes, which can perfectly complement the intense flavors of the sauce.

Useful tips

- Choosing the fish: If you can't find pike, opt for fresh white fish, such as cod or haddock. Ensure the fish is fresh and the flesh is firm.
- The egg: Use high-quality eggs for better taste.
- The flour: Wheat flour works well, but you can try rice flour for a crispier crust.
- The sauce: You can experiment with different fresh herbs, such as dill or chives, to change the flavor of the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of sauce? Of course! Instead of meunière sauce, you can try tartar sauce or a honey mustard sauce.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version? Replace the fish with tofu fillets or vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, which can be prepared similarly.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a light blonde beer are excellent options to balance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Fish, especially pike, is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. It is also rich in B vitamins, which contribute to energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Lemon, in the sauce, adds a dose of vitamin C, while capers bring a savory taste without many extra calories.

Serving suggestions

For a personal touch, you can garnish the dish with lemon slices and a few green or black olives. These not only add a pleasant appearance but also a burst of flavors. Additionally, serving with a fresh seasonal vegetable salad can transform this dish into a complete and healthy meal.

In conclusion, fried pike fillets in meunière sauce are a refined and tasty choice, perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you can create an exceptional dish full of flavor. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!