Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Butter Fish recipe featuring seared white fish fillets coated in a delicate paprika and garlic spice mix, then simmered in a rich lemon butter sauce with fresh parsley. Perfect for a light, delicious dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 lb white fish (about four 4-oz fillets, such as halibut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Fresh lemon slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Sear the Fish: Heat a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until hot. Add olive oil to the skillet, then carefully place the seasoned fish fillets in the pan. Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until the fish is golden brown and lifts easily from the pan. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add butter to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown slightly, enhancing the nutty flavor. Stir in lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring occasionally until the sauce is smooth and fragrant.
- Finish Cooking and Serve: Add fresh lemon slices to the sauce in the skillet, then return the fish fillets to the pan. Cook on medium-low heat for an additional 3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets every 30 seconds. This allows the fish to soak up the vibrant lemon butter flavors. Once cooked through, garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets like halibut, cod, or sea bass for best results.
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a good sear and prevents sticking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and lemon juice, based on your preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to complement the lemon butter sauce.
- Leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
