Looking for a quick, flavor-packed seafood dinner that brings bright, fresh taste to your table? This Lemon Butter Fish Recipe is the answer! Perfectly cooked white fish fillets are bathed in a luscious lemony butter sauce that’s both zesty and comforting, with plenty of garlic and a shower of fresh parsley for good measure. In just 20 minutes, you can experience a restaurant-worthy meal that feels delightfully special, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dinner party centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can transform fish into something truly unforgettable. Each component of this Lemon Butter Fish Recipe is carefully chosen to enhance the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance—from crisp-tender fillets to the golden sauce.
- White fish fillets: Choose cod, tilapia, or halibut for their mild flavor and flaky texture—perfect canvases for soaking up that buttery lemon sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps the fish develop a lovely golden crust and imparts a delicate fruitiness.
- Salt: Essential seasoning that draws out the natural flavor of the fish and balances the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and depth to the fillets.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, creating a rich base for the lemon and garlic to shine without being overwhelming.
- Garlic (minced): Brings fragrant savoriness and a gentle bite to the dish—don’t skip it!
- Lemon juice: Infuses the sauce with bright acidity and underscores the dish’s signature zing.
- Lemon zest: Provides a burst of citrus aroma and intensifies the lemony flavor without making it sour.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a pop of green color and a fresh, herby contrast to the buttery sauce.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of brightness to their plate.
How to Make Lemon Butter Fish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Fish
Start by patting your fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This simple step helps create a gorgeous sear and ensures the seasonings stick properly. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Seasoning at this stage is key—it starts building layers of flavor that will shine in the finished dish.
Step 2: Sear the Fillets
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the fish fillets. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, being careful not to move them too much so they develop a lovely golden crust. When they’re opaque and flake easily with a fork, gently transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted and foaming, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell its irresistible aroma—don’t let it brown! Next, whisk in the lemon juice and zest, letting the sauce bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes to marry all those bright, buttery flavors.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Slide the cooked fish fillets back into the skillet, spooning that glorious lemon butter sauce all over them. Let everything sizzle together for a final minute, so the fish soaks up the sauce and stays perfectly moist. Off the heat, scatter the chopped parsley on top and serve with fresh lemon wedges for a final burst of citrus.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Fish Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a dash of lemon zest over the fish right before serving for a burst of fresh color and pop of fragrance. Lemon wedges are a must—everyone loves adding that cheeky squeeze!
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Fish Recipe is best paired with simple sides that let its vibrant flavors shine. Steamed green beans, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad all balance the richness of the sauce without overpowering the delicate fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each fillet atop a bed of herbed rice, or arrange the fish family-style on a platter, drizzling all the sauce over and scattering extra parsley. For a cozy meal, tuck roasted baby potatoes or asparagus spears alongside for color and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Butter Fish Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first time around!
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked fish, keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the cooled fish and a portion of sauce separately in airtight containers for up to one month.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover fish in a covered skillet over low heat, spooning some of the sauce over the top to keep it moist. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave at 50 percent power for short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
What types of fish work best for this Lemon Butter Fish Recipe?
Mild, flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut are ideal. Their clean flavor is the perfect match for the bright, buttery sauce, but feel free to experiment with other favorites too.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still enjoy a fresh lemony kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is! None of the ingredients in this Lemon Butter Fish Recipe contain gluten, so it’s perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
How do I stop the fish from sticking to the pan?
Make sure both your skillet and oil are properly heated before adding the fish, and avoid moving the fillets too soon. A good nonstick skillet also makes this process stress-free.
Can I make this Lemon Butter Fish Recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients (mince the garlic, chop the parsley) in advance to make cooking even quicker. Leftovers also reheat well for lunch the next day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that promises bold flavor, quick prep, and guaranteed rave reviews, this Lemon Butter Fish Recipe fits the bill. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to for an effortless, fabulous seafood dinner.
Print
Lemon Butter Fish Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Lemon Butter Fish recipe. Tender white fish fillets are pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a luscious lemon butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
White Fish Fillets:
- 4 fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut, about 6 oz each)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook fillets until golden.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add lemon juice and zest.
- Finish and Serve: Return fish to skillet, spoon sauce over, garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and pairs well with various sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
