Delight your taste buds with this elegant and easy-to-make Lemon Butter Fish Fillet. Perfectly seasoned white fish fillets are cooked to golden perfection and topped with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce. This recipe is a light yet indulgent choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and low in calories, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Versatile: Works with a variety of white fish options like cod, tilapia, or haddock.
- Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce adds a burst of tangy and rich flavors.
- Elegant: Simple yet impressive, great for entertaining or a special family meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh parsley
Directions
- Season the Fish: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the Fish: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and flaky. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Melt the butter with olive oil, then sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Herbs: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked fish on a platter, drizzle with the lemon butter sauce, and garnish with lemon slices and parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Different Fish: Swap white fish for salmon or trout for a richer flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Include capers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach in the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with dill, thyme, or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the fish moist. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the fish may lose its texture, but you can freeze the lemon butter sauce separately for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
2. What’s the best fish for this recipe?
Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock works best.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
4. What should I serve with Lemon Butter Fish?
Pair it with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
5. How do I avoid overcooking the fish?
Cook the fillets just until they flake easily with a fork to avoid dryness.
6. Can I bake the fish instead?
Yes, bake seasoned fish at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, then pour the sauce over it.
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet.
8. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
9. Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! A splash of white wine adds depth to the flavor.
10. How do I zest a lemon without a zester?
Use a fine grater or carefully scrape the zest with a knife, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is an easy, healthy, and delicious dish that combines simplicity with elegance. The tangy lemon butter sauce perfectly complements the tender, flaky fish, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
PrintLemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Elevate your dinner with this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe. Perfectly seared white fish fillets bathed in a zesty lemon butter sauce create a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Fish: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flaked with a fork. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add Lemon and Parsley: Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the fish fillets on a serving platter and generously drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust lemon juice to your preferred tanginess level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 280 kcal
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