Chef Ed Recipe – Fish Fillet in Buerre Blanc Herb Sauce
Delicate fish fillet bathed in a velvety white wine butter sauce, brightened with fresh herbs—refined, light, and luxurious.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 2 skinless white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or snapper)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Buerre Blanc Herb Sauce:
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the Fish:
Pat fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Sear the Fish:
Heat olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside, covered loosely with foil. - Make the Buerre Blanc:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white wine, vinegar (or lemon juice), and shallots. Simmer until reduced to about 2 tablespoons of liquid. - Whisk in Butter:
Reduce heat to low. Add cold butter cubes one at a time, whisking continuously to emulsify. Do not boil. Once all butter is incorporated, stir in fresh herbs. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. - Plate and Serve:
Place fish fillets on warm plates. Spoon the light herb buerre blanc over the top. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Chef Ed Tips:
Use a stainless steel or enameled pan for the sauce—aluminum may react with the vinegar.
- Buerre blanc should be made fresh—don’t reheat, as the emulsion may break.
- Add a touch of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang if desired.
References:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Fish and Omega-3s.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fish/ - The Culinary Institute of America. (n.d.). How to Make a Classic Buerre Blanc.
https://www.ciachef.edu - USDA FoodData Central. (n.d.). White fish, butter, wine nutrition.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/