Lime and Herb Orange Roughy

Summer is in full swing, and these hot temperatures definitely call for lighter recipes. Having fish for dinner is always a great idea during the hot summer months. I, for one, crave anything with lime during this time of year.

Orange Roughy, or deep sea perch as it is also known, is a light and flaky fish that’s low in calories and full of vitamins.

On the low side, it also contains high amounts of Mercury, so it is recommended that adults eat it no more than twice a week and children no more than once.

This said, if you don’t plan on having more than the recommended amount, this is the best Orange Roughy recipe ever.

Shrimp dishes are also great for summer, and our favorites are Pan-Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Carbonara, and Thai Coconut Soup.

What does orange roughy taste like? 

Orange Roughy has a mild and slightly sweet taste. If you don’t like “fishy” fish, this is the one for you.

Its flesh is flaky but firm and the taste is comparable to other mild-tasting fish like Tilapia, Ocean Perch, Red Snapper, Pollock, Haddock, Sole, or Flounder.

The great thing about mild-tasting fish is that the flavors of all the ingredients you add to it really come through.

So go ahead and play with your favorite herbs and spices, but do not overdo it so you can also taste this delicate fish’s flavor.

Ingredients in lime and herb orange roughy

• Orange Roughy, is the perfect fish for people watching their weight since one 6 oz serving has only 180 calories but a whopping 26 g of protein. It is very low in fat (1.2 g per serving) and has 0 net carbs. 
• Butter Butter complements its sweet taste perfectly and gives it a creamy taste you can’t get by using oil. 
• Lime juice and zest. Using the zest gives it an extra punch of flavor you can’t get by using only the juice. 
• Parsley is my herb of choice when cooking fish. I just love the combination of parsley and lime juice, but you can use whatever herb you like.
• Garlic powder. I like using the powder instead of fresh garlic because again the taste of the fish is so mild, I think fresh garlic is too overpowering. 
• Paprika gives it a slightly smoky flavor and a beautiful orange color to the grilled fish making it look even more appealing.
• Salt and pepper.  Herbs and lime juice taste great, but without salt and pepper, their flavors can’t fully develop.

How to make lime and herb orange roughy

1. Heat your grill or grilling pan. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the lime juice and lime zest. Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the fillets into the butter mixture or spread the mixture on top of the fillets
3. Grill for 4 minutes on each side once the grill or grill pan is hot (medium-high heat)

What seasonings can I use for orange roughy recipes?

To me, the condiment that always pairs perfectly with fish is lime or lemon juice. It is a must!

Butter is always the fat of choice to either grill, bake, or pan-fry it. Butter adds a layer of creaminess to this delicate fish but doesn’t make it oily. When cooking with mild-tasting ingredients, I always prefer butter over any oil.

The perfect herbs for cooking are the ones you like the most. You can change the flavor of the dish by just changing the herbs and spices you add to it.

Here are some herbs and spices you can use for cooking Orange Roughy:

• Thyme or Oregano: these two belong to the mint family and give it a sort of minty evergreen flavor. Do not overdo it. Use a small amount because they taste big!
• Parsley: I love this fresh and aromatic herb when paired with butter and lime juice. I think they are the perfect partners. You can use it either freshly chopped or dry.
• Cumin: used sparingly, cumin gives this fish a great smoky taste. Cumin is widely used in Mexican cuisine, so it will taste like fish tacos!
• Paprika: love the way it gives it an earthy taste with just a bit of a smokiness. If you want a bit of a kick, add just substitute cayenne for paprika and it will give you the right amount of heat, just again don’t overdo it.
• Garlic salt: who doesn’t like garlic, parsley, butter, and lime juice all mixed together with fish and seafood?
• Lemon Pepper: if you are not a big fan of spices, just add lemon pepper. It will taste awesome just with this perfect mixture.

What to serve with orange roughy?

You can serve this recipe with rice or potatoes. Our Homemade Rice Pilaf recipe is delicious, or you can also serve it with Wild Rice if you want to make it a bit fancier. Look for the Mexican Rice recipe also, it is to die for.

If your family prefers potatoes over rice, check out these amazing recipes on our website: Creamed Potatoes, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Mexican Potatoes, or Roasted Potatoes with Carrots.

Recipe tips:

1. Spread the butter/lime juice mixture while the butter is still hot and melted or it will be very difficult to coat the fillets
2. When zesting the lime, just add the green part. Remember that the white part of the rind is bitter.
3. Have your grill ready and hot before putting the fish on it, or it will just steam and not get those wonderful grill marks.
4. Be careful when flipping the fillets, they are tender and might break. Use a spatula for best results.

Other recipes you might enjoy

• Salmon With Lemon Cream Sauce
• Miso Salmon