Lemon-Thyme Fish With Asparagus – Country Living

Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
Bright, buttery pan-seared catfish paired with tender-crisp asparagus
Lemon-Thyme Fish With Asparagus - Country Living recipe image

This quick and elegant dinner features flaky catfish fillets pan-seared in golden butter and olive oil, then finished with a bright burst of fresh lemon juice and aromatic thyme. The fish is served alongside tender-crisp asparagus spears, which soak up the savory pan drippings for maximum flavor. The combination of zesty citrus, earthy herbs, and rich butter creates a balanced, comforting dish that feels special without requiring hours of prep. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something nutritious yet satisfying. Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality experience at home, making it a reliable favorite for family dinners or intimate date nights.

Lemon-Thyme Fish With Asparagus – Country Living

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 123.0

Description

This quick and elegant dinner features flaky catfish fillets pan-seared in golden butter and olive oil, then finished with a bright burst of fresh lemon juice and aromatic thyme. The fish is served alongside tender-crisp asparagus spears, which soak up the savory pan drippings for maximum flavor. The combination of zesty citrus, earthy herbs, and rich butter creates a balanced, comforting dish that feels special without requiring hours of prep. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something nutritious yet satisfying. Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality experience at home, making it a reliable favorite for family dinners or intimate date nights.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and rinse the spears.
  2. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then transfer to a warm plate.
  5. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and place the catfish fillets in the pan.
  6. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until opaque and flaky.
  7. Remove the fish from the heat and sprinkle with fresh lemon-thyme leaves, lemon rind, and lemon juice.
  8. Serve the fish immediately alongside the asparagus, garnished with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2


Amount Per Serving
Calories 123.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.2g15%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 41.5mg14%
Sodium 36.2mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 1.3g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 0.4g
Protein 8.6g18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Use 6-ounce catfish fillets for best results. If catfish is unavailable, mild white fish like tilapia or cod works well.

Ensure the asparagus is cut to a length that fits in your skillet. You can cut it in half if the spears are very long.

For a richer sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the fish, scraping up any browned bits.

Fresh thyme is preferred, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme if necessary. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process to allow them to rehydrate.

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the fish to ensure a good golden crust forms.

Keywords: catfish, asparagus, lemon, thyme, butter, pan-seared, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seafood, quick recipe, healthy, gluten-free, spring vegetables, citrus, herbs, light main, fresh flavors, simple cooking, family friendly, low carb
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