Description
A quick and flavorful Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe featuring tender white fish cooked in a garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for a light and delicious 20-minute meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
- Season the Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets carefully and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the fish is fully cooked through.
- Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the fish fillets from the pan and set them aside to keep warm.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon and Spice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over them, and let them warm through for 1-2 minutes to absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the fish fillets and serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or haddock for best results.
- Patting the fillets dry before seasoning helps them crisp up during cooking.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes amount or omit for milder flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh side salad.
- Make sure not to overcook the fish to keep it tender and flaky.
