Silky Pan-Seared White Fish on Creamy Spinach Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you expertly pan-sear white fish atop a luxurious bed of creamy spinach.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate delicate flavors melding together in this elegant dish.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspire such simple yet sophisticated combinations.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting memorable meals.

Selecting premium white fish ensures a remarkable dining experience.

Tender fish nestled against silky spinach creates a harmonious plate that speaks to both comfort and refinement.

Learn this technique, and you will impress dinner companions with your skilled cooking prowess.

Why Pan-Seared White Fish On Creamy Spinach Feels Fancy

• Master a Restaurant-Quality Dish: Recreate a professional-level meal right in your home kitchen with simple techniques that deliver impressive results.
• Creamy Comfort on a Plate: Enjoy a luxurious combination of tender white fish nestled on a bed of rich, velvety spinach that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Nutritious and Delicious Balance: Pack your plate with lean protein from the fish and nutrient-dense spinach, creating a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a gourmet-style dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a sophisticated yet stress-free cooking experience.

What Goes In Pan-Seared White Fish On Creamy Spinach

• White Fish Fillets: Fresh and delicate fish that provides a light and flaky protein base for the dish.

• Cream Cheese, Half & Half, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce for the spinach.

• Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Spinach: Colorful and flavorful vegetables that add depth and nutrition to the creamy spinach base.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential ingredients that help with sautéing and provide a rich, golden flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.

How To Cook White Fish On A Bed Of Creamy Spinach

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld together and create a fragrant base.

Toss in red bell pepper and garlic, sautéing for about 4 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

Step 2: Create Wilted Spinach

Add spinach to the skillet, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Gently cook until the spinach transforms into a soft, vibrant green layer that’s perfectly wilted.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Sauce

Introduce cream cheese, half & half, and Parmesan cheese to the spinach.

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, smooth sauce that hugs the spinach.

• Cream cheese
• Half & half
• Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Prepare Fish for Searing

Select a separate skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature.

Drizzle with remaining oil and butter. Season both sides of the white fish fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.

Step 5: Sear Fish to Perfection

Carefully place fish fillets in the hot pan. Cook for 6 minutes on the first side, allowing a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.

Gently flip the fish and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked and has a gorgeous crispy exterior.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spread the creamy spinach mixture onto serving plates as a luscious base.

Delicately place the perfectly seared fish fillets on top of the spinach, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Tips To Nail Pan-Seared White Fish Every Time

• Use high-quality, fresh white fish like cod or halibut for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear.
• Choose full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more luxurious creamy spinach base.
• Adjust cooking time for fish depending on thickness; thinner fillets will cook faster than thicker ones.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use plant-based butter alternative.

Yummy Spins On White Fish With Spinach

• Mediterranean Herb Fish: Replace half & half with Greek yogurt and add dried oregano, thyme, and lemon zest to the spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Fish: Coat fish with Cajun seasoning before searing and mix red pepper flakes into the creamy spinach for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Fish: Swap half & half with coconut milk and stir in mild curry powder into the spinach for a subtle, creamy curry twist.
• Nordic-Style Fish: Use dill instead of garlic, incorporate light cream cheese, and sprinkle capers over the dish for a Scandinavian-inspired preparation.

Pairings That Match White Fish And Creamy Spinach

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate fish and creamy spinach, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Craft Citrus Accompaniment: Serve a zesty lemon-herb salad on the side with fresh arugula, sliced cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add a vibrant, tangy contrast.
• Recommend Crusty Bread Option: Add a slice of toasted sourdough or rustic baguette to soak up the creamy spinach sauce, providing a delightful textural element and extra flavor dimension to the dish.

How To Store White Fish With Spinach Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fish and spinach separate to maintain texture. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality.
• Freezing: Wrap fish and spinach individually in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with date and contents.
• Reheating Fish: Gently warm fish in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Use low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Reheating Spinach: Warm creamy spinach in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of half & half to restore creamy consistency.

Pan-Seared White Fish With Spinach FAQ

• What type of white fish works best for this recipe?

Cod, halibut, or tilapia are excellent choices with mild flavors that complement the creamy spinach perfectly.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese and half & half?

You can substitute with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Pan-Seared White Fish on Creamy Spinach Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired pan-seared white fish nestles gracefully on a bed of silky spinach, creating a light yet luxurious seafood experience. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques bring Mediterranean elegance directly to your dinner plate, promising delicious simplicity you can easily master.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 (5 ounces/142 grams) thick pieces of skinless white firm fish fillet (such as grouper, flounder, bass, or halibut)
• 9 ounces (255 grams) fresh baby spinach
• 2 ounces (57 grams) reduced-fat cream cheese

Cooking Fats and Dairy:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) salted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) half & half cream
• 3 tablespoons (15 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (150 grams) red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melt olive oil and butter together until shimmering.
2. Sauté red bell pepper and minced garlic for approximately 4 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until completely wilted and tender.
4. Incorporate cream cheese, half & half, and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until a smooth, creamy consistency develops.
5. Prepare a separate skillet over medium-high heat with remaining oil and butter combination.
6. Generously season fish fillets with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
7. Carefully place seasoned fish into hot skillet, allowing first side to develop a golden-brown crust for 6 minutes.
8. Gently flip fish and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until completely opaque and crisp exterior forms.
9. Plate the creamy spinach as a luxurious base, positioning perfectly seared fish fillets on top for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Select firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for best texture and even cooking.
• Ensure fish is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, faster melting into the spinach sauce.
• Skip Parmesan for dairy-free version, replace with nutritional yeast for similar umami flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 442 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg