Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a fresh and flavorful seafood dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The fish fillets are seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant lemon butter sauce that perfectly balances richness with a bright citrusy zing. This dish makes for a quick and impressive meal that’s ideal for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. Whether you’re a fan of cod, tilapia, haddock, or any other white fish, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate your dining experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
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4 fillets of white fish (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
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4 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Juice and zest of 2 lemons
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fillets sear better in the skillet. Next, brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil to ensure they cook evenly. Sprinkle the fillets with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, coating them thoroughly. The spices will give the fish a lovely aromatic flavor with a bit of heat from the paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets to the skillet. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until they become golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside. Be careful not to overcook the fish as it can become dry. When cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the butter melt and the oil warm up, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley, and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Place the cooked fish fillets onto a serving platter. Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce generously over each fillet. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices to add a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite.
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to bring a bit of heat to the dish.
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Herb Twist: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary in the lemon butter sauce for a different aromatic profile.
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Grilled Fish: For a smokier flavor, you can grill the fish fillets instead of pan-frying them.
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Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure that the seasoning used is also gluten-free.
Cooking Notes
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Be mindful of the cooking time for the fish. Overcooking can lead to dry, rubbery fillets. Ideally, the fish should be cooked through but still moist and flaky.
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You can use any type of white fish for this recipe, but cod, tilapia, and haddock are excellent choices due to their mild flavor and firm texture.
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The lemon butter sauce is versatile and can be used with other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops.
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If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted, but fresh herbs provide a much fresher flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the lemon butter fish fillets alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy and colorful side.
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With Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a serving of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
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With Pasta: Toss the fillets and sauce with pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal.
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With Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can be a refreshing side to complement the rich fish dish.
Tips
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For Extra Crispiness: For a crispier exterior, you can lightly dredge the fish fillets in flour or cornmeal before cooking.
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Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.
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Leftovers: If you have any leftover fish, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~350 kcal
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Protein: ~25g
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Sodium: ~450mg
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which will help with searing.
2. How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque and moist, not translucent.
3. Can I make the lemon butter sauce in advance?
Yes, the lemon butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! You can use any white fish, such as sole, flounder, or snapper. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of white fish with a tangy lemon butter sauce. The recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and rich, buttery finish. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal, and enjoy the burst of fresh lemony goodness in every bite.
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fillets sear better in the skillet. Next, brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil to ensure they cook evenly. Sprinkle the fillets with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, coating them thoroughly. The spices will give the fish a lovely aromatic flavor with a bit of heat from the paprika.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets to the skillet. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until they become golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside. Be careful not to overcook the fish as it can become dry. When cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the butter melt and the oil warm up, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley, and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Place the cooked fish fillets onto a serving platter. Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce generously over each fillet. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices to add a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite.
Notes
Cooking Notes
-
Be mindful of the cooking time for the fish. Overcooking can lead to dry, rubbery fillets. Ideally, the fish should be cooked through but still moist and flaky.
-
You can use any type of white fish for this recipe, but cod, tilapia, and haddock are excellent choices due to their mild flavor and firm texture.
-
The lemon butter sauce is versatile and can be used with other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops.
-
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted, but fresh herbs provide a much fresher flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Protein: ~25g