Grilled Kingklip with Lemon-Garlic Butter
A simple yet elegant preparation of premium South African kingklip, pan-seared or grilled to flaky perfection and finished with a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Kingklip fillets
- 100g Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the kingklip. Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the lemon-garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chives (if using). Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Cook the kingklip. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned kingklip fillets into the hot pan, presentation side down (usually the side without skin, if applicable).
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 4
Flip the fish fillets. Once the first side is golden brown and releases easily from the pan, carefully flip them using a spatula. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Finish and serve. Remove the pan from the heat. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared lemon-garlic butter over the hot fish fillets. The residual heat will melt the butter, creating a luscious sauce. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Kingklip is a delicate white fish; be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Aim for moist, flaky flesh.
- ✓Look for firm, plump fillets with a fresh, oceanic aroma.
- ✓Kingklip is considered a premium, sustainable seafood choice in South Africa.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a baked version, place seasoned fillets on a baking sheet, top with lemon-garlic butter, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes.
- Enhance the sauce by whisking in a tablespoon of heavy cream for a richer, creamier finish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a touch of heat.