Description
A simple and flavorful Lemon Butter Garlic Fish recipe featuring pan-seared white fish fillets cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), about 5 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a balanced flavor profile.
- Heat the Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Heat until the butter is melted and begins to bubble slightly, creating the base for the lemon butter sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown as this can create bitterness.
- Cook the Fish (First Side): Place the seasoned fish fillets carefully in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is golden and the fish is halfway cooked through.
- Flip and Cook (Second Side): Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque, flaky, and cooked thoroughly.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Spoon the lemon butter sauce from the skillet over the fish. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan to enhance the citrusy brightness of the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and aroma, and serve immediately with extra lemon butter sauce and optional lemon slices.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and works well with other fish types such as salmon, sole, or sea bass.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute the unsalted butter with additional olive oil.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences for more pungency or tang.
