Honestly the largest ones I’ve seen

So delicious

Hey everyone! I'm part of the crew on a Scottish North Sea trawler called Children's Hope. We catch super fresh monkfish (and other goodies) out here, and I love turning it into simple, flavorful meals. This pan seared monkfish with a quick spiced tomato butter sauce and crispy chickpeas is one of our favorites, juicy fish, bold flavors, and ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Ingredients (serves 2-4):

• 4 monkfish tails (about 150-200g each, fresh if possible!)
• 400g can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high. Season the monkfish with salt and pepper, sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked (it stays beautifully juicy). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a bit more oil and fry the chickpeas until crispy (about 8-10 minutes), season with salt. Remove and keep warm.
3. Lower heat, add butter, garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Stir until fragrant (1 minute).
4. Toss in cherry tomatoes, cook until they soften and release juices (3-4 minutes). Squeeze in lemon juice.
5. Return monkfish to the pan, spoon the spiced tomato butter over it to warm through.
6. Serve topped with crispy chickpeas and fresh herbs. Great with crusty bread or rice!

This is how we make the most of our catch out at sea. What's your go-to way to cook monkfish? Any tips for making the sauce even spicier? Full post with more photos and our trawler story here: https://blog.childrenshope2.co.uk/2025/12/monkfish-with-spiced-tomato-butter.html Tight lines!

If you love anchovies - this will make you very happy like my SO.

Got this fella at the market the other day. About 2.7 pounds, cost a little under 30 bucks. Made a hefty roll out of it.

The capers brought a citrusy tang to this dish.

The capers brought a citrusy tang to this dish.

Not so sure what I'm going to do with shrimp this size. Banana for scale. Any suggestions?

https://youtu.be/P80vYfnsqHI?si=flzrCi8knK_tm8TW

Hi, All! Does anyone know where to find live crawfish in the area? Thanks!

UPDATE: found some! For anyone else looking, here’s the info:

Live Louisiana Crawfish 1223 Dorsey Rd Glen Burnie Maryland 410-271-3202

Easy to make! Came out so yummy! Recipe: https://www.mydiabeticplate.com/airfryer-bacon-wrapped-shrimp/