🎣 Luxurious Creamy Lemon-Herb Fish and Shrimp Skille
✨ The Ultimate Seafood Comfort Dish
Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests with this incredibly luxurious and flavorful seafood dish. This Creamy Lemon-Herb Fish and Shrimp Skillet features perfectly seared white fish (like cod or halibut) and succulent shrimp, enveloped in a rich, tangy, and bright sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that is surprisingly easy to make and comes together quickly in a single pan!
This recipe is designed to be a centerpiece—it’s visually stunning and the taste is absolutely irresistible. Get ready for a dinner that will earn you rave reviews (and plenty of social media likes!).
🍽️ Ingredients for a Gourmet Experience
For the Seafood:
1.5 lbs (about 680g) thick-cut white fish fillets (Cod, Halibut, or Haddock recommended), cut into large, uniform chunks
1/2 lb (about 225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Creamy Lemon-Herb Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) OR chicken/vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
📝 The Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Follow this process carefully to achieve perfectly cooked seafood and a flawless creamy sauce:
Step 1: Prep and Season the Seafood
Gently pat both the fish chunks and the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, and pepper.
Lightly season the fish chunks and shrimp on all sides with this seasoning blend. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Fish and Shrimp
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Once the butter is melted and foamy, carefully place the seasoned fish chunks into the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Sear the fish for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a lovely golden crust. The fish will not be fully cooked yet. Remove the seared fish from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are mostly pink. Remove the shrimp and add them to the plate with the fish.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Pour in the white wine or broth, and let it simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Gently return the seared fish chunks and the shrimp to the creamy sauce in the skillet.
Spoon the sauce over the seafood to coat it beautifully.
Optional Finishing Step: For extra tenderness and to finish cooking, place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
Alternatively, you can simply cover the skillet on the stovetop and let it simmer very gently for a few minutes until the seafood is done.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the skillet directly to a heat-safe serving board (as shown in the picture) or transfer the contents to a large serving platter.
Garnish generously with extra fresh chopped parsley and perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Serving Suggestions: This rich dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the decadent sauce!
💡 Chef’s Secret for Perfect Fish
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice! Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, clean flavor needed to cut through the richness of the cream. The fresh acidity is what makes this sauce truly special and balances the entire dish.
📸 Capture the Moment!
This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! Don’t forget to take a picture of your gorgeous skillet before diving in and share your success!
