The two-step method of searing and then roasting this thick fillet is what keeps the fish succulent.
For rice
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup long-grain rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh
flat-leaf parsley
For fish
2 (1-inch-thick) skinned Chilean sea bass, monkfish, or halibut fillets (18 oz total)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon olive oil
For sauce
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Preheat oven to 500�F.
Make rice:
Bring water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan, then add rice, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Return to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15 to 17 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Stir in herbs just before serving.
Cook fish while rice is cooking:
Pat fillets dry and sprinkle with cumin and salt and pepper to taste on both sides. Heat oil in a well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then sear fillets until browned on 1 side, about 5 minutes. Turn fillets over and put skillet in oven. Roast fillets in upper third of oven until just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
Make sauce while rice is standing:
Whisk together broth, juice, molasses, and cornstarch in a small skillet and simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Halve each fillet crosswise and serve over rice. Spoon sauce over and around fish.
Serves 4.