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Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: : Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared or Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Description

This Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is light, flaky, and packed with fresh citrusy flavor. Pan-seared or baked to perfection, it’s coated in a rich, buttery lemon sauce with garlic and fresh herbs. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a healthy, delicious dinner!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Fish:

  • 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a slight crust)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

  1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. (Optional) Lightly dust the fillets with flour for a crispy golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Fish

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
  3. Remove fish from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or white wine.
  4. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

  1. Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • No skillet? Bake the fillets at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then pour the warm lemon butter sauce over before serving.
  • Make it dairy-free? Use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Want extra crunch? Coat the fillets in panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Find it online: https://quickbiteskitchen.com/lemon-butter-fish-fillet/