
Monkfish and Clam Skillet with Gentle Saffron Broth, Golden Artichokes, and Creamy Lemon Rice
An original seafood recipe featuring seared monkfish medallions and steamed clams in an aromatic saffron, white wine, and shallot broth, served over creamy lemon rice and finished with golden artichokes and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- 600 g monkfish tail, cut into medallions (skinless ni hueso)
- 500 g fresh clams (lavadas and purgadas)
- 180 g short-grain rice (for arroz meloso)
- 240 g artichoke hearts (en cuartos, escurridos si son en conserva)
- 80 g shallot (chopped fina)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 120 ml dry white wine (for the caldo)
- 750 ml fish stock (hot)
- 0.25 g saffron threads (lightly machacadas)
- 60 ml heavy cream (for dar suavidad al arroz)
- 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 30 ml/2 tbsp of zumo)
- 30 g butter (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 12 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Season the monkfish medallions with 2 g salt and black pepper. Keep the cleaned clams in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.
- 2
Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a wide skillet or shallow pot over medium-high heat. Brown the artichoke hearts for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until nicely golden. Add half of the minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds, and transfer the artichokes to a plate.
- 3
In the same pot, add another 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and 15 g (1 tbsp) butter. Add half of the shallot and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until translucent.
- 4
Add the short-grain rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it. Pour in 480 ml (2 cups) hot fish stock gradually, stirring often for 16 to 18 minutes until creamy. Add the heavy cream, the zest of half the lemon, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and 2 g salt. Stir for 1 more minute, turn off the heat, and keep warm.
- 5
While the rice cooks, heat the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the monkfish for 2 minutes per side until golden outside but still juicy inside. Transfer to a plate.
- 6
Reduce to medium heat and add the remaining butter, the rest of the shallot, and the rest of the garlic to that skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the saffron threads and stir for 15 seconds.
- 7
Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates. Add the remaining 270 ml (about 1 1/8 cups) hot fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 8
Add the clams, cover, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until they open. Discard any that stay closed.
- 9
Return the monkfish and the golden artichokes to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes more over low heat so the flavors come together. Adjust with the remaining lemon juice if you want more brightness and check the salt.
- 10
Spoon the creamy rice onto each plate. Top with the monkfish, clams, and artichokes along with the saffron broth. Finish with the chopped fresh parsley.
- 11
If you want to hold everything warm before serving, you can keep the skillet covered in the oven at 200°F (95°C) for up to 10 minutes.
Chef tips
Pat the monkfish dry before searing for better color. If the clams release a lot of salinity, taste the broth before adding extra salt at the end. Use hot fish stock so the rice cooks evenly.
Substitutions
You can replace monkfish with grouper or sea bass. Artichokes can be swapped for sautéed asparagus. If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with the same amount of fish stock plus 1 extra teaspoon of lemon juice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Garlic Shrimp
18 min

Seafood Paella
65 min

Warm cod and prawn timbale with pea mint cream, golden artichokes and toasted almond oil
55 min

Clams and Prawns in Citrusy Saffron Broth with Smashed Potatoes and Crisp Fennel
60 min

Cod loins with mussels in spiced tomato broth, smoky eggplant cream, and crispy cauliflower couscous
60 min

Cod and Shrimp Logs in Choricero Pepper Sauce with Parsley Cauliflower Rice
65 min