Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light and flavorful seafood dish, combining flaky fish with a rich, buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s packed with fresh citrus, garlic, and herbs. The recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Pat the fish fillets dry. Coat with olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky.
- For the sauce, melt butter and olive oil in the same skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice, zest, parsley, and seasoning, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the fish, topped with the sauce, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Creamy Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a rich twist.
- Parmesan Crusted: Coat the fish in grated Parmesan before cooking.
- Herb-Infused: Add thyme or basil to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I bake the fish instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Cod, tilapia, haddock, snapper, or halibut.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate it and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just make sure it’s properly thawed before cooking.
How do I prevent the fish from being dry?
Avoid overcooking; fish cooks quickly and should flake easily with a fork.
Can I use a different citrus for the sauce?
Yes, lime or orange will give it a unique twist.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
Try a firm plant-based fish substitute or use tofu steaks.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a taste of the sea with a burst of citrus!
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light and flavorful seafood dish that pairs flaky white fish with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. The fresh citrus, garlic, and herbs bring out restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 4
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish (cod, tilapia, haddock, or similar)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Fish:
- Pat fish fillets dry and coat them with olive oil.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Cook the Fish:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky. Remove from the pan.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add olive oil.
- Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the fish fillets.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
✅ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
✅ Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
✅ Creamy Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoon heavy cream for a richer texture.
✅ Parmesan Crusted: Coat fish in grated Parmesan before cooking.
✅ Herb-Infused: Add thyme or basil for extra depth of flavor.
