Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for zesty lemon butter fish fillet, featuring a perfectly seasoned and pan-seared white fish topped with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fillets white fish (cod, tilapia, haddock, or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear.
- Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish fillets for a balanced flavor.
- Pan-sear the fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the fish fillets. Cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden and flaky. Transfer the fish to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and simmer: Add lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Combine fish and sauce: Return the fish fillets to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish and cook for 1 more minute to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon butter sauce for a bright, buttery finish.
Notes
- Use firm white fish like cod or haddock for the best texture and flavor.
- Patting the fish dry is crucial for a good sear.
- Adjust lemon juice amount to your taste preference for acidity.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad to complete the meal.
- Leftover sauce can be drizzled over cooked vegetables or potatoes.
