Description
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe features tender white fish fillets cooked to golden perfection in a skillet and topped with a vibrant, tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Fillets
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 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 remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
- Season the Fillets: Evenly season both sides of the fish with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fish fillets and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the Fish: Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Add 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, spooning the lemon butter sauce over them. Let the fillets warm in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the fish and serve immediately alongside rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick; omit if you prefer milder taste.
- Patting the fish dry before cooking helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Cook fish fillets just until opaque to prevent drying out.
