Description
A flavorful and aromatic fish seasoning blend perfect for enhancing the taste of any fish fillets. This versatile seasoning combines warm spices like smoked paprika, mustard powder, and allspice with a subtle heat from cayenne and ginger, creating a balanced, savory blend ideal for pan-seared fish or baked fillets. Ready in minutes, it keeps well in an airtight container and serves 4 with 750g of fish fillets.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoning Blend
- 1 tsp celery salt (or 3/4 tsp salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp mace
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground clove
- 1/8 tsp ginger powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or pure chilli powder)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Main Ingredients
- 750g / 1.5lb fish fillets, skinless and boneless (such as flathead)
- 45g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 30g / 2 tbsp extra unsalted butter for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend: Combine all the seasoning ingredients — celery salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, mustard powder, mace, allspice, ground clove, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cardamom — in a bowl and mix well until fully incorporated. Store in an airtight container to keep for months. This amount is sufficient for seasoning 750g of fish fillets.
- Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and evenly sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend over both sides. Make sure the fillets are well-coated to maximize flavor.
- Cook the fish: Heat 45g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter in a non-stick or heavy-based skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and sizzling, add the fish fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust time based on thickness of the fillets.
- Finish and serve: Remove the cooked fish from the skillet and place on plates. Optionally, drizzle with 30g (2 tbsp) extra unsalted butter melted in the skillet for additional richness before serving. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- The seasoning blend can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight container for up to several months.
- Feel free to substitute celery salt with regular salt if needed, but celery salt adds a unique flavor.
- Butter is used here for pan-searing to bring a rich flavor and beautiful browning; you can use clarified butter or a light oil if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness according to taste.
- Cooking time may vary depending on thickness and type of fish used; always check for doneness by flaking the fish gently with a fork.
