Alaska Rockfish & Cauliflower with Turmeric Curry Butter

Golden, aromatic, and packed with bold flavors, this Alaska Rockfish & Cauliflower with Turmeric Curry Butter is a standout dish that brings together simple ingredients in a stunning presentation. Wild Alaska rockfish fillets are pan-seared and served alongside caramelized cauliflower steaks, all drizzled with a warm butter infused with turmeric, ginger, and curry spices. This recipe is an elegant yet approachable way to explore global flavors with your favorite wild Alaska seafood. Swap in Alaska yelloweye for an equally delicious variation!
Photo and recipe courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

Seared Alaska rockfish fillets and golden roasted cauliflower steaks drizzled with turmeric curry butter, garnished with lemon wedges, scallions, and fresh herbs.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

Cauliflower
  • 1 large or 2 small heads cauliflower (at least 3 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, coarsely crushed with a rolling pin or mortar
  • 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Curry Butter
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
Rockfish
  • 4 Alaska rockfish fillets (6-ounce each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 scallions, finely sliced, including some of the green part (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower steaks Preheat the oven to 450F. Spray or brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Slice the cauliflower into steaks: Remove all the outer leaves from the cauliflower and stand it upright on your cutting board (trim the bottom of the stem as needed to keep the cauliflower stable). With a large knife, cut it into 3/4-inch thick slices. You will have some “scraps”—slices or florets of cauliflower that are not attached to the core and fall apart, but you should get at least 4 slices that are intact.
  2. Roast the cauliflower Brush both sides of the steaks with oil, and toss the “scraps” with a little oil as well. Arrange them on the baking sheet, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, followed by the turmeric and coriander. Squeeze the lemon wedges over top. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and tender when you insert the tip of a knife into the steak. Remove from the oven and set aside. Lower the oven temperature to 400F.
  3. Meanwhile, make the lemon-curry butter Remove about 1 teaspoon of zest from the lemon and squeeze about 1 1/2 tablespoons of juice. In a food processor, process the butter, lemon zest and juice, ginger, curry powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper until combined. Scrape down the bowl once or twice as needed. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Bake the fish Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush with oil or spray with olive oil spray. Set the fillets on the baking sheet. Brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and opaque. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let the fish rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Plate and serve The cauliflower can be served warm or room temperature; return it to the oven for a few minutes to rewarm, if desired. Transfer the cauliflower to a large platter. Set the fillets on top and dot each fillet with the curry butter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and parsley and serve.
Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy jasmine rice or warm naan to soak up the flavorful butter. This dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a pop of acidity.
Back to blog