American Charred Lemon-Garlic Red Drum with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients

• 12 oz red drum fillets
• 3 medium zucchini
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes): Pat fish dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Zest and juice the lemon; mince the garlic. Spiralize or julienne the zucchini into noodles.

2. 2

   Cook zucchini noodles (about 8 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté 4–6 minutes, stirring, until just tender and slightly dry. Transfer to a plate.

3. 3

   Char-grill/char-sear fish (about 10–12 minutes): Wipe skillet or use a grill pan over high heat. Add a small splash of oil if needed. Cook red drum 4–6 minutes per side until browned with char spots and opaque in the center.

4. 4

   Make lemon-garlic butter and finish (about 4 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and melt. Stir in garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping browned bits. Return fish to the pan briefly to coat, then plate over zucchini noodles. Spoon sauce over and top with parsley if using.