Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (2024)

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This easy Fish Florentine recipe, made with a pan seared firm white fish served on a creamy bed of spinach feels like something you would order out in a fancy restaurant!

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (1)
Fish Florentine

I love fish and try to eat it once or twice a week. You can see all my fish recipes here! This recipe takes under 30 minutes to make, the creamy spinach is what makes the whole dish, made with a little cream cheese, half & half cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s dreamy, delicious and the perfect pairing for the simple white fish.

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (2)

I adapted this dish from this recipe I found online, which I lightened up simply by reducing the butter, oil, Parmesan and cream cheese. I had reduced-fat cream cheese on hand so I used that instead and it turned out amazing! Rich and decadent and feels like it should be a lot more calories!

Cooking Tips

  • Any firm, white boneless fillet would be great, I choose local and ask my fishmonger for the freshest options available. Here I used cod, but halibut, or sea bass would make a great option.
  • For a thinner piece of fish, adjust the cook time so you don’t over-cook it.
  • When fresh fish is available, wait until the day or day before to buy it before you are going to cook it.
  • If fresh isn’t available, buy frozen instead of previously frozen to control freshness and keep it frozen until you need it.
  • Frozen fish fillets are great to keep on hand in the freezer. You can defrost them overnight in the fridge or pull from from the freezer and put them in an ice bath (in the package if they are individually wrapped or in a sealed Ziploc) for about 30 minutes
  • Swap the fish for chicken breast, scallops or shrimp if you’re not a fan of fish.

Freezer Tips

Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days or freeze in individual containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave about 3 minutes.

How To Make Fish Florentine

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (3)

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (4) Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (5) Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (6) Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (7)Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (8)

More Fish Recipes:

  • Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs
  • Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
  • Skillet Fish Fillet with White Wine and Capers
  • Healthy Baked Fish Sticks
  • Flounder Milanese

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (9)

Fish Florentine

6

Cals:351

Protein:43

Carbs:6

Fat:16.5

This easy Fish Florentine recipe, made with a pan seared firm white fish served on a creamy bed of spinach feels like something you would order out in a fancy restaurant!

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (10)

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Print Rate Pin SaveWW Points

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 fish filet with scant 1/2 cup spinach

Ingredients

  • 4 5 oz thick pieces of skinless white firm fish fillet , (such as grouper, flounder, bass or halibut)
  • 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 9 ounces fresh baby spinach, from two bags
  • 2 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese, I like Philadelphia
  • ¼ cup half & half cream
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • kosher salt
  • fresh black pepper

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter, red bell pepper and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes.

  • Add spinach season with a pinch of salt and pepper mix until the spinach wilts down.

  • Add cream cheese, half & half and parmesan cheese mix well until cream cheese is melted and resembles creamed spinach.

  • Heat a separate skillet on medium high heat, add remaining oil and butter.

  • Season fish on both sides with salt and pepper and place on the hot pan.

  • Cook 6 minutes on first side and flip fish over and cook other side an additional 5 minutes, until cooked through and browned.

  • Divide the spinach mixture on the bottom of each plate and top with piece of fish.

Last Step:

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Video

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days or freeze in individual containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave about 3 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 fish filet with scant 1/2 cup spinach, Calories: 351 kcal, Carbohydrates: 6 g, Protein: 43 g, Fat: 16.5 g, Saturated Fat: 6.5 g, Cholesterol: 78 mg, Sodium: 300 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g

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Categories:

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  • Freezer Meals
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Photo Credit: Jess Larson

Fish Florentine – The BEST Fish Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the best seasoning to put on fish? ›

The Best Herbs & Spices For Seasoning Fish
  • Basil. Lemon and basil are a match made in heaven! ...
  • Parsley. Parsley is a perfect addition to pan-fried fish, with a slightly bitter aroma that can balance savoury dishes. ...
  • Dill. ...
  • Lemongrass. ...
  • Rosemary. ...
  • Thyme. ...
  • Sage. ...
  • Smoked Paprika.
Nov 13, 2021

What is the white fish that tastes like butter? ›

BUTTERY SMOOTH FLAVOR. DELICATE WHITE FLAKES. Butterfish are small fish, often a couple to a pound.

How to cook fish the best? ›

How to Cook Fish in a Pan. Pat your piece of fish dry (this will result in crispier skin!) and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, then cook the fish for 2 to 3 minutes (don't move it!). Flip and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.

How can I make my fish more flavorful? ›

In either case you can dry marinate the fish briefly with a light blend of spices, you can brush it with a marinade of mirin, soy, and ginger if you're going to steam it (yummy with salmon or tuna), or if it's a fish that can stand up to more intense flavor you can use a blackening spice.

Do you put olive oil on fish before seasoning? ›

Season both sides of the fish (since the salt doesn't get absorbed after frying) and drizzle the filet with olive oil (don't be afraid to keep adding more!), continuing to season with salt and pepper along every step of the way.

What should I season my fish with before frying? ›

I suggest adding a fair amount of salt and pepper, and also chili powder if you like it hot. ANY COMBO OF SPICES WORK, be liberal. MIX UNTIL hom*oGENOUS. dip the fish in egg - let the extra egg drip off (tap against the side of bowl).

What is most expensive fish to eat? ›

Highlights: Most Expensive Fishes To Eat Statistics

The Bluefin Tuna reportedly sells for around $3,603 per pound. An Atlantic Bluefin Tuna was sold for a record $3.1 million at a Tokyo fish market in 2019.

Which is the tastiest fish in the world? ›

#1: Salmon

When it comes to the best tasting fish, few fish can rival the allure and versatility of salmon. Renowned for its rich taste and succulent texture, salmon has become a staple in kitchens around the world. Its distinct flavor profile and buttery texture make it a true culinary gem.

What is the healthiest fish to eat? ›

7 Healthiest Fish to Eat, According to Experts
  1. Sardines. “Sardines are one of the healthiest fish to eat because they're very high in omega-3s,” says Gomer. ...
  2. Mackerel. Mackerel is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, says Sauceda. ...
  3. Anchovies. ...
  4. Salmon. ...
  5. Herring. ...
  6. Trout. ...
  7. Tuna.
Mar 28, 2024

What not to do when cooking fish? ›

Over-cooking fish might result in dry, tough meat that is unsuitable for consumption. To avoid this, do not cook it for too long or at a high temperature. Instead, cook on low heat until the meat flakes easily with a fork.

What is the secret to cooking fish? ›

Use gentle heat even on a grill.

Whether you are pan searing it or grilling it, use a lower heat than you would with other meat. If you are planning to grill it, consider wrapping it in foil to keep in the moisture and ensure it doesn't absorb too much of the charcoal taste.

Should fish be cooked fast or slow? ›

Slow-roasting makes a beautifully tender, evenly cooked, not-one-bit-dry piece of fish. If you miss the 120-degree, just-starting-to-flake mark and take it out late, it will still be good—even carryover cooking after taking it out of the oven won't outrun you, because there isn't much velocity behind it.

What is the most popular fish dish? ›

Key takeaway: Many countries around the world have seafood dishes in their national cuisine. The most popular seafood specialties are sushi, sashimi, fish and chips, and grilled seafood.

Does lemon make fish taste better? ›

The latter need a bit of a boost from simple, tangy acids — lime or lemon juice, or sherry vinegar — that bring out their natural flavors while compensating for the lack of oleogustus; that is, mouthwatering fat.

When should I season my fish? ›

When seasoned too soon before cooking, the salt will start to break down the proteins in the salmon and draw moisture out of the fish. Follow this tip: No matter the method of cooking, season the fish just before it hits the pan, goes in the oven, or onto the grill.

What spices do fish like? ›

So let's take a look at some of the best.
  • Ginger.
  • Nutmeg and Mace.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Star Anise.
  • Fenugreek Seeds.
  • Smoked Garlic Powder.
  • Cardamom.

How do you add flavor to a bland fish? ›

Add Flavorings to the Steaming Liquid

Lemon peel and dill sprigs are natural partners for fish. Rosemary sprigs and sliced garlic go well with chicken or potatoes. Steam fish, clams, mussels, or lobster with white wine, onion slices, thyme, parsley, and lemon juice.

How to season and cook a fish? ›

Season the outside of the fish generously with a few good pinches of sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Roast for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size/variety of your fish.)

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