Butter Poached Fish

The first time I attempted butter poaching was during a cozy winter evening when I craved something special but didn’t want to venture out to a restaurant. As I watched the monkfish gently cook in the fragrant, lemony butter, I realized I’d stumbled upon culinary gold. The result was so tender and luxurious that it’s hard to believe this restaurant-worthy technique is actually one of the most foolproof ways to cook fish at home.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Butter Poached Fish is Easy to Make

This is my new favorite way to make fish. I love how it captures all the spices and tastes that I use. And since I’m not frying it in a bunch of oil, this is a much healthier way to cook the fish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter poaching is a French cooking technique that yields incredibly tender, perfectly cooked fish every time. Unlike aggressive cooking methods that can dry out seafood, this gentle approach keeps the fish moist while infusing it with rich, complex flavors.

Why Poach Fish in Butter

If you have asked yourself how to poach fish, you will be excited to learn, poaching in butter is not only easy, it’s delicious. This may seem like a difficult way to cook, but I promise, this is a simple cooking technique that will give you maximum flavor.

I like to season my butter with a touch of lemon juice, and a small shallot diced up. The fish cooks in the seasoned liquid and it tastes heavenly. This has become one of my favorite ways to prepare fish.

Butter poached fish is low carb and keto-friendly.

What is the Best Type of Fish to Poach

I use monkfish because it tastes so much like lobster. I also really like how easy it was to poach. The texture is light and flaky!

If you can’t find monkfish, you can substitute snapper, sea bass, halibut, cod, mahi-mahi, or sea scallops.

What is Monkfish?

Monkfish has been called “the poor man’s lobster”.  It is a tender white fish that tastes a bit like lobster.

Only the tail of the monkfish is actually edible but it’s delicious.  I get monkfish at the Asian market.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Fish
• Unsalted Butter
• Lemon Juice
• Shallots
• Fresh Herbs, chives

How to Butter Poach Fish

The fish cooks very gently, and it becomes flavorful and buttery. I think it is almost a foolproof way to make fish by cooking it like this and it’s hard to overcook.

1. Heat two tablespoons of the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped shallots and cook until they are translucent.
3. Add lemon juice and remaining butter.
4. When the butter has melted, add the fish.
5. Gently place the fish into the pan.
6. Turn the heat to high and allow the fish to cook for three minutes once the cooking liquid begins to boil.
7. Turn the heat down to low and cook for an additional minute.
8. Remove fish from poaching liquid and sprinkle with sea salt or Fleur de Sel.

How Long to Poach Fish

For monkfish, cook it for 3 minutes while the liquid is boiling. Then, reduce the heat and cook for another minute.

Recipe Notes

• Use unsalted butter. I want to be able to control the level of salt when the fish is cooked.
• Make sure there is enough liquid (butter or lemon juice) to cover 2/3 up the side of the fish while cooking.
• Finish the dish with a touch of Fleur de Sel or sea salt. I think both of these two types of salt add something extra special to the fish.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

What temperature should the butter be?

Aim for 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for tiny bubbles around the edges of the pan – not a full simmer.

Can I reuse the poaching liquid?

Yes! Strain and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The flavored butter is excellent for cooking vegetables or making sauce.

Why is my fish falling apart?

This usually means it’s overcooked. Remember, the residual heat will continue cooking the fish slightly after removal.

Substitutions & Modifications

Fish Options

• Monkfish → cod, halibut, sea bass, or scallops
• For a dairy-free version, → Use olive oil instead of butter (though technically this becomes oil-poached fish)
• Fresh herbs → Dried herbs (use 1/3 the amount)

Dietary Considerations

• Keto/Low-carb friendly
• Gluten-free
• Can be made dairy-free with modifications

What to Serve with Butter Poached Fish

When I butter poach fish I like to serve it up with a light side dish. Here are a few of my favorites:

I think if you try butter poaching fish just once, you will be cooking it like this more often.

Are you ready to make this Butter Poached Fish? Make sure you let me know what you think in the comments below.

Other Delicious Fish Recipes

Be sure to check out more of my low carb dinner recipes and easy fish recipes here on CopyKat.com!

Follow me on Facebook or Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for the latest CopyKat recipes!

Butter Poached Fish

Butter poached fish is delightful.