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Bhetki Fish in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 76 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Bhetki Fish in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is a bright and elegant seafood dish featuring tender, flaky Bhetki fish fillets coated in a silky butter sauce infused with fresh lemon, orange, garlic, and basil. This recipe combines delicate fish flavors with a vibrant citrus-herb butter sauce, making it quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining or a festive meal.

Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 4 Bhetki fish fillets, about 5–6 ounces each
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Citrus Basil Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season Fish: Pat the Bhetki fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
  2. Coat the Fish: Lightly dust the fish fillets with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping and ensure a light crust.
  3. Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the exterior turns golden and the inside is opaque and flaky. Remove the fish from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Prepare Citrus Basil Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet used for cooking fish. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release aroma.
  5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and chicken or vegetable broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld and sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Finish Sauce with Basil & Seasoning: Add chopped fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate herbs and seasoning evenly.
  7. Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the citrus basil butter sauce over the fillets to coat them.
  8. Final Simmer: Let the dish simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb some of the sauce flavors without overheating or breaking apart.
  9. Serve: Serve the Bhetki fish immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges on the side for additional brightness.

Notes

  • Bhetki is a flaky white fish; cod, haddock, sea bass, or tilapia can be substituted if unavailable.
  • Avoid cooking the fish over high heat once the sauce is added to prevent butter separation and maintain sauce smoothness.
  • For a richer citrus flavor, you can add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
  • The fish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-Inspired, Mediterranean-Inspired

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/bhetki-fish-in-citrus-basil-butter-sauce-recipe/