Blackened orange roughy recipe (2024)

Published: by Tatiana · 4 Comments

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Delicious blackened orange roughy recipe is so buttery and tender, what a perfect quick weekday dinner. Ready in less than 10 minutes and can be served with rice, potatoes or salad.

Blackened orange roughy recipe (1)

Orange roughy is such a delicate mild flavored fish with large flakes also known as Red Roughy, Slimehead, or Deep Sea Perch. Flakes hold together very well when pan seared. Inside it is whitish(pearl white) in color when raw and opaque when cooked all the way. Besides that orange roughy is a deep ocean water fish and has a bright orange skin. That is how it got its name.

This fish can be baked, pan seared, sauteed or smoked. It is usually sold as fillets, i have never seen a whole orange roughy fish sold here in United States.

Fish has lots of vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin A and Niacin and low in calories. Unfortunately the fish also contains high amounts of Mercury, so it is recommended to eat it no more than twice per week for adults and no more than once for kids.

How to make blackened orange roughy recipe

Start with rinsing the fish with cold running water. Take paper towels and pat dry fillets. Prepare the spice mixture by mixing all the dry ingredients in the small bowl.

Blackened orange roughy recipe (2)

Cover the fish entirely with spices, equally on every side. Heat butter in the small pan. If you have a cast iron skillet, please use that. Its the best for blackened fish recipes.

Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding fish. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Do not move fish around until its time to flip it otherwise it might stick to the pan.

The kitchen will probably get smokey while you are cooking blackened fish and its completely normal. Just turn the fan on or open the window. Butter burns on the skillet when cooked on high temperatures.

Blackened orange roughy recipe (3)

Chop some cilantro or crispy green onions on top and serve.

What does it mean when the fish is bleckened

This is just another method of pan searing the fish. Traditionally cast iron skillet is used for this task but any other skillet will work. Just make sure its very hot.

Fish will need to be cooked in butter and covered in spice blend.Spices i used in this blackened orange roughy recipe:

  • paprika
  • black pepper
  • cumin (just a touch)
  • thyme or oregano
  • garlic powder
  • salt

The pan will be smoking and its totally normal. Do not move the fish for 3 minutes to make sure then the proper crust is forming. Than flip and cook on the other side.

Blackened orange roughy recipe (4)

Where to buy orange roughy

In California its not that easy to find this fish in stores. I have seen Walmart sells it but its very seasonal. I usually purchase it online and the fish comes frozen. Thawing process is very easy, just leave it in the fridge overnight. Or on the counter for a few hours if you are in rush.

Its much easier to buy this fish in Australia, you can get it fresh from the sea market.

Recipe tips and tricks

  • Do not move fish during cooking otherwise it may stick to the skillet.
  • You can check the internal temperature my sticking meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked.
  • Top fish with chopped green onions, lemon slices, chopped cilantro or parsley.
  • If you want to slice the fish, move it to the cutting board and slice into equal pieces using a sharp knife.
Blackened orange roughy recipe (5)

Is this recipe KETO

The short answer is yes. Orange roughy just like most white fish here is low in carbs and keto friendly. Butter used in this recipe is also keto so as spices.

Side dishes

I served blackened orange roughy as an appetizer and the only addition to the fish was cilantro and lemon. For dinner or lunch meal you will need a side dish. My favorite is just a bowl of white rice. You can’t go wrong with it.

Mashed potatoes are amazing with fish. So buttery and soft and creamy. Fresh vegetable salad will keep this dish low carb and healthy. Just mix tomatoes, onions, cucumbers in a bowl, add salt and pepper and a splash of olive oil. So good!

Leftovers

Store any leftovers in the air tight container in he fridge for up to 4 days. Sometimes i just cover the plate with foil and store it this way in the fridge. Use microwave to reheat fish. Don’t forget to take the foil off.

Also you can freeze cooked orange roughy. Use freezer safe ziplock bag and store in the freezer for 3-4 months. In fact you can store fish for much longer just make sure to use a very good freezer safe container to prevent fish from getting a freezer burn.

More seafood recipes

  • Pompano recipe
  • Cobia recipe
  • Crab potato salad
  • Crab guacamole
  • White pomfret recipe
  • Pan fried barramundi
  • Yellow croaker recipe
Blackened orange roughy recipe (6)

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 9 minutes

Delicious blackened orange roughy recipe is so buttery and tender, what a perfect quick weekday dinner. Ready in less than 10 minutes and can be served with rice, potatoes or salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 orange roughy fillet
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ⅓ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch of cumin
  • ½ teaspoon thyme or oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ lemon

Instructions

    1. Rinse orange roughy fillet in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
    2. Mix spices in a small bowl and cover the fish entirely.
    3. Heat butter on the skillet (it has to be very hot) and place fish in it. Cook for 3 minutes on on side and than for another 3 minutes on another side.
    4. Move to the plate and squeeze some lemon on top. Serve

Notes

  • Do not move fish during cooking otherwise it may stick to the skillet.
  • You can check the internal temperature my sticking meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked.
  • Top fish with chopped green onions, lemon slices, chopped cilantro or parsley.
  • If you want to slice the fish, move it to the cutting board and slice into equal pieces using a sharp knife.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield: 1Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving:Calories: 218Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 2268mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 20g

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    Blackened orange roughy recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is the orange roughy on the avoid list? ›

    Throughout much of its range, the orange roughy is considered overfished by fisheries scientists and at risk of endangerment by conservation groups (though it has not been formally assessed for the most well recognized list of threatened species – the IUCN Red List).

    What's the best seasoning for orange roughy? ›

    Spray the foil with cooking spray or rub with olive oil. Rinse and pat dry orange roughy filets. Brush melted butter onto fish filets. Season with paprika, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.

    What are the drawbacks of eating orange roughy? ›

    Worst: Orange Roughy

    These fish, also known as slimeheads, can live up to 150 years. But that means they've been around unhealthy elements, like mercury, for a long time. So they're not the best option for a healthy diet.

    Why is orange roughy not sold anymore? ›

    The fish are slow growing, late maturing and difficult to recover once depleted due to these life history characteristics. Orange roughy is the first commercially sought fish to be added to Australia's list of endangered species because of overfishing.

    What is the unhealthiest fish to eat? ›

    The Top Most Unhealthy Fish To Eat
    • King Mackerel.
    • Shark.
    • Orange Roughy.
    • Swordfish.
    • Marlin.
    • American eel.
    • Wild caviar.
    • Tilapia.
    Jul 8, 2022

    What is the problem with orange roughy? ›

    These fish, called "orange roughy," became very popular. Within 15 years, 80 percent were wiped out by overfishing. Researchers discovered that the orange roughy grows so slowly, it cannot breed until about the age of 20. This means that it will take an extremely long time for their population to recover.

    Which is better tilapia or orange roughy? ›

    “Do they consider tilapia a suitable substitute for orange roughy?” No. Although they are both a white fish, Orange Roughy is a much higher quality of fish. A Talapia is a low cost and lower quality of fish.

    How often can you eat orange roughy? ›

    Australian guidelines for safe levels of mercury in the diet
    Fish speciesRecommended amounts for consumption
    Orange roughy (sea perch) or catfish and no other fish that week OR1 serve per week
    Shark (flake) or billfish (swordfish, broadbill, marlin) and no other fish that fortnight1 serve per fortnight
    6 more rows

    What is orange roughy called now? ›

    Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), also known as deep sea perch, is a bright reddish orange fish with a round and slender shape. This fish has a firm flesh with a mild flavour.

    What are three examples of seafood you should not buy? ›

    Making the “do not eat” list are King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish. All fish advisories due to increased mercury levels should be taken seriously.

    What fish should not be eaten often? ›

    Text Versions of the Best Choices, Good Choices, and Choices to Avoid Lists of Fish
    FishBest Choice, Good Choice, or Choice to Avoid?
    Orange roughyChoice to Avoid: HIGHEST MERCURY LEVELS
    SharkChoice to Avoid: HIGHEST MERCURY LEVELS
    SwordfishChoice to Avoid: HIGHEST MERCURY LEVELS
    59 more rows
    Mar 5, 2024

    What was the old name for orange roughy? ›

    Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) , deep ocean fish that were once known as "slimeheads" because of the mucous-producing canals on their heads, grow and mature at a sluggish rate compared to most shallow water fish. They don't reproduce until they are at least 20 years old and can reportedly live to be 149.

    What fish is equivalent to orange roughy? ›

    Gurnard. When Pan Frying or Grilling, the firm white flesh of Gurnard can be used as an alternative to that of Orange Roughy. Gurnard flesh can be slightly drier than that of Orange Roughy, so cook with care on a lower heat to prevent this.

    Is orange roughy a bottom feeder fish? ›

    Orange roughy are bentho-pelagic, generally occurring near the bottom but at times ascending to feed or spawn 50-100 m above the seafloor.

    Why can't you buy orange roughy? ›

    Orange Roughy is the poster child of unsustainable fishing in Australia, one that most consumers now know that they are meant to avoid. However, persistent mislabelling by fishmongers (esp as 'Deep Sea Perch') may mislead people into unwillingly purchasing this fish.

    Can you still eat orange roughy? ›

    Orange roughy

    Also known as the red roughy, this fish is best to avoid.

    Is all orange roughy high in mercury? ›

    Orange roughy has average loads measuring 0.571 ppm and highest measurements of 1.12 ppm. Chilean sea bass has average mercury loads of 0.354, but it can reach up to 2.18 ppm of mercury.

    Are orange roughy poisonous? ›

    Due to the fish's long lifespan, orange roughies have the potential to accumulate a ton of toxins. According to One Medical, orange roughies contain large amounts of mercury that have led the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to issue an advisory against consuming this fish.

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