As with most whitefish, you don’t want to overdo it with the accompaniments. You want that fish to shine through! But! I can tell you that most whitefish, and particularly sheepshead, stands up to a healthy dose of seasoning. So please, FEEL FREE to season the HECK out of that fish and sear it up just like I did! Get that pan nice and hot and add plenty of seasoning, the sear these babies up until they are cooked through and still nice and moist on the inside. I didn’t go crazy with the accompaniments here. Just a simple basil-lime cream over the top, with a bit more lime juice splashed over everything, with a side of sliced avocado rounds everything out. Can we say “Perfection”? YES! I do love a good fillet of fish. Go grab yourself some sheepshead, because this easy dinner recipe will be a new summertime staple in your kitchen!
Crema - Sour cream also works. Lime juice and zest Basil
Prepare. Heat up some olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the fish. Season the whitefish fillets your medley of bold blackening seasonings. Cook the fish. Sear the tops of the seasoned fish fillets in the hot pan for just about 2 minutes, then flip and sear for an additional 2 minutes. Add a splash of water and cover the pan. Continue to cook for another few minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and moist within. Make the jalapeño garnishes. While the fish is cooking, add the jalapeno slices to another hot pan with a small splash of olive oil. Cook them for a few minutes on each side until crispy. Make the cream sauce. Make your sauce by simply whisking together the sour cream, lime juice, zest, and basil. Garnish, serve, and enjoy! Drizzle the cream all over the fish and serve it with your crispy jalapeno slices, lime wedges, and a bit more lime zest over the top. I also like to serve mine with a few slices of avocado on the side to really freshen things up! When you’re ready to serve it, reheat the fish back in the pan over medium-low heat. Flip on both sides and allow it to reheat until warmed all the way through.
