Description
A simple yet flavorful recipe for Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet, featuring tender white fish cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and a bright lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Fillets and Seasoning
- 4 fillets white fish (cod, tilapia, haddock, or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the sauce)
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better sear.
- Season the Fish: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets for a balanced flavor.
- Sear the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the fish fillets. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until the fillets are golden brown and easily flake with a fork. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Add Lemon: Pour in the lemon juice and zest to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the fish fillets to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish, cooking for another minute to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon butter sauce on the side.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry is essential for a good sear and to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute the fish with any white, flaky fish available to you.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to your liking for more or less tartness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
