Monk Fish has a mildly sweet flavor and texture that’s similar to lobster. It’s one of our favorite fish and in this post, we’re sharing 5 of the best monk fish recipes for you to try!
Table of Contents
How to Cook Monk Fish

If you’re not familiar with monkfish, the information on this post provides you with everything you need to know. It also includes an easy-to-follow recipe for monkfish with a lemon butter sauce that’s ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes.
Monk Fish with a Lemon Pepper Crust

Serve this tasty lemon pepper crust monkfish when you’re in the mood for something light. It’s served with a tangy lemon anchovy vinaigrette and would be delicious with a fresh garden salad.
Steamed Monk Fish

This simple steamed monkfish is full of traditional Chinese flavors. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready to eat in short order.
Grilled Monk Fish

Monkfish has a lobster-like texture that makes it ideal for grilling. This dish is super simple and uses just four ingredients. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies and corn on the cob.
Baked Monkfish Fillet

This roasted monkfish with lemon & parsley butter couldn’t be easier to make! You’ll need a handful of ingredients and it’s ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes. Serve it with new potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Easy Monk Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds monk fish skinned and boned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted recommended
- half lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley minced, optional garnish
Instructions
Pan Fried Monkfish
- Remove the monkfish from the refrigerator (or thaw completely if frozen). Pat dry with paper towels and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the remaining olive oil and butter to the pan and swirl the pan to coat.
- Add the monkfish and fry undisturbed for 5 minutes. Using a fish spatula or kitchen tongs, flip the fillets and cook several minutes more, spooning pan juices on top from time to time. Note that 1-inch thick fillets will take 6-7 minutes in total, while 2-3 inch thick fillets could take 15 minutes or more.
- To check doneness, insert a knife tip into the thickest section for a moment. If it comes out hot to the touch, then the fish is done. You can also insert an instant-read thermometer and look for a reading of 145°F.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and optional fresh parsley onto the monkfish. Transfer to serving plates immediately and drizzle pan juices on top.
Baked Monkfish
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set aside a large ovenproof skillet.
- Remove the monkfish from the refrigerator. Pat dry with paper towels and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the remaining olive oil and butter to the pan and swirl the pan to coat.
- Add the monkfish and fry for 2 minutes. Then flip and fry for two minutes more.
- Using oven mitts, transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes for thinner fillets or 10-12 minutes for thick fillets. To check doneness, insert a knife tip into the thickest section for a moment. If it comes out hot to the touch, then the fish is done. You can also insert an instant-read thermometer and look for a reading of 145°F.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and optional fresh parsley onto the monkfish. Transfer to serving plates immediately and drizzle pan juices on top.

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