Description
A quick and flavorful Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe featuring white fish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Season the Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly for balanced flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the fish fillets carefully.
- Sear: Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Set Aside Fish: Remove the cooked fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Once butter has melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow to simmer gently for 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Combine & Warm: Return the fish fillets to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over them and let them warm through for 1 to 2 minutes to soak up the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- You can use cod, tilapia, or haddock based on your preference or availability.
- Make sure not to overcook the fish to keep it tender and moist.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder sauce.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed asparagus, green beans, or quinoa.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
