| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 364 | 24g | 8g | 0g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0g | 1g | 35g | 0.5g |
Why I Love British Plaice with Lemon and Dill Butter
My love for this Plaice with Lemon and Dill Butter recipe cannot be overstated. It’s that perfect blend of uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying. Just like my favorite California beaches, it’s deceptive in its simplicity. Behind the façade of sun and sand hides an intricate ecosystem of life that infuses every inch with a distinct flavor. It’s that specific ‘je ne sais quoi’ of the beach matched with a British classic that makes this recipe stand out for me.
The Unexpected Fusion
The Plaice with Lemon and Dill Butter recipe is reminiscent of those dishes served in the heart of London’s seafood restaurants, much like those I’ve eaten at J Sheekey, an iconic British seafood establishment. The key difference here lies in the simplicity of flavors, an influence drawn from the sun-soaked coastlines of California that I call home. The freshness of the lemon, the cool flavor of dill, and the rich butter – it all creates a harmonious fusion of that traditional British recipe with a West Coast influence.
Enhancing Cultural Flavors
Even as I whip up this dish in my kitchen, I can’t help but draw parallels with the Indian-American fusion dishes I often make. Just like this plaice recipe, these dishes stand somewhere in-between two worlds – drawing the best aspects from each. Much the same way Gujarati cuisine uses fresh, simple ingredients to glorious effect, this recipe is uncomplicated on the surface, but the interplay of sea-salt, pepper, and lemon brings out the natural taste of the plaice fish in a way that is rather gratifying
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad dressed lightly in olive oil or even some good old-fashioned British chips. And if you’re in the mood to try another similar recipe, the classic Lemon Sole with Asparagus and Caper Butter is a good way to switch it up while still maintaining that British seaside feel with Californian freshness.
Whether you are a lover of seafood or just discovering it, this simple British classic is worth giving a shot. Break out the apron, give it a go, and savor every bite of your perfectly crispy Plaice with Lemon and Dill Butter. In my house, it’s a favorite for that relaxed Friday dinner vibe, and I’m sure it will be the same in yours too. Happy cooking, everyone!
What You’ll Need
- 6 plaice fillets, about 5 to 6 ounces each
- 3 lemons
- 2 cups of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Lemon wedges and additional fresh dill, for serving
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Rinse the plaice fillets under cold water and dry thoroughly using paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Two
Take 2 lemons, and grate the zest finely, then squeeze the juice. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, and soft butter. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined.
Step Three
Heat up the olive oil on a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the plaice fillets and cook each side for about 2 minutes, or until both sides are lightly golden.
Step Four
Once the fillets are cooked, reduce the heat down to low and spoon some of the lemon-dill butter over each fillet, spreading it evenly to coat the top of the fish. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until the fish is flakey.
Step Five
While the fish is cooking in the oven, cut the remaining lemon into wedges for serving. Once the fish is done, remove the skillet from the oven, being very careful of the handle, which will be hot.
Step Six
Serve your Plaice fillets hot, accompanied by the lemon wedges and sprinkled with additional fresh dill. Extra lemon-dill butter can be served on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Plaice with Lemon and Dill Butter!
