Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
A wholesome and comforting trio of flaky pan-seared fish with roasted potatoes & guacamole awaits you! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of golden crispy potatoes and creamy guacamole elevates the pan-seared fish, making it feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and delightful flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that satisfies your cravings.
- Packed with Flavor: The spices on the fish, combined with the roasted potatoes and fresh guacamole, create a burst of taste in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe works well as a main course for dinner or even as a light lunch option.
- Healthy Ingredients: Featuring lean fish and fresh vegetables, this meal is both nutritious and tasty.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family night or entertaining friends, this dish impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, ensure you have the right tools at hand. These will help streamline your process and deliver delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good quality skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect sear on your fish.
- Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet allows you to roast your potatoes evenly, achieving that desired crispiness.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients easily when making your guacamole.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 white fish fillet (tilapia, cod, or sole)
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (to taste)
For the Potatoes:
- 1 cup baby potatoes or Yukon gold, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
For the Guacamole:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp chopped tomato
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion or green onion
- Lime juice and salt, to taste
How to Make Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425F (220C).
- Toss the cubed potatoes in olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Season your fish fillet generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned fish fillet to the pan.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through and lightly crisped.
Step 3: Make the Guacamole
- In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe avocado using a fork.
- Add chopped tomato and onion into the bowl.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste.
- Mix gently to keep some texture.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
- Arrange your pan-seared fish alongside roasted potatoes on a plate.
- Add a generous scoop of guacamole next to them.
- Serve warm with an optional squeeze of fresh lime for extra flavor!
How to Serve Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
Serving Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole can elevate your dining experience, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests or family.
Fresh Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the fish for an extra zesty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Crispy Tortilla Chips
- Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and a delightful contrast to the creamy guacamole.
Mixed Greens Salad
- A simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon adds freshness and balances the richness of the fish and potatoes.
Cilantro Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the plate for added color and a burst of herbal flavor that enhances all components of the meal.
How to Perfect Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
Cooking Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole can be simple yet rewarding. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Choose Fresh Fish: Opt for fresh, high-quality fish fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook one or two fish fillets at a time to maintain even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your guacamole mixture before serving and adjust lime juice or salt to suit your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
Adding side dishes can complement your Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole beautifully. Here are some excellent choices:
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a crisp texture and vibrant color to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy guacamole.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomato, and herbs provides a healthy grain option.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that pairs well with fish.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover guacamole or juices from the fish.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob makes for a sweet, seasonal side that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
-
Overcooking the Fish: Cooking the fish for too long can lead to a dry texture. Aim for a golden-brown color and a flaky texture by checking it after 3-4 minutes on each side.
-
Neglecting the Potatoes’ Crispiness: If you don’t flip the potatoes halfway through roasting, they may end up soggy. Make sure to turn them to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
-
Using Unripe Avocados: Choosing an unripe avocado will result in a guacamole that’s hard and lacking flavor. Always select ripe avocados for the best creamy consistency.
-
Too Much Seasoning: Over-seasoning can overwhelm the dish’s natural flavors. Start with small amounts of salt and spices, and adjust as necessary after tasting.
-
Not Letting Ingredients Rest: Serving immediately can be tempting, but letting the dish rest for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Give it a moment before plating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
- Freeze fish and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers.
- Best consumed within 1 month for quality retention.
Reheating Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
-
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place fish and potatoes on a baking sheet; heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
-
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Be cautious not to overcook.
-
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed, turning gently to avoid breaking the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole:
How can I customize my Pan-Seared Fish?
You can use different spices or herbs like dill or cilantro for added flavor. Try different types of fish based on your preference!
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
Tilapia, cod, or sole are great choices due to their mild flavors and flaky textures when cooked.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can pre-roast the potatoes and prepare guacamole ahead of time; just cook the fish right before serving for freshness.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked. A good rule of thumb is cooking it about 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
Final Thoughts
Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole is not only delicious but also easy to customize based on your taste preferences. This wholesome meal brings comfort and satisfaction, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients or toppings!
Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole
Enjoy delicious Pan-Seared Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Guacamole! This quick dish offers comfort and satisfaction. Try it tonight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 white fish fillet (tilapia, cod, or sole)
- 1 cup baby potatoes or Yukon gold
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped tomato
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion or green onion
- Lime juice
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; roast for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Season fish fillet with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mash the avocado; mix in chopped tomato and onion. Add lime juice and salt to taste.
- Serve the pan-seared fish with roasted potatoes and a generous scoop of guacamole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg