As the dinner hour approaches, I often find myself in a scramble, trying to whip up something quick yet satisfying. That’s when I turn to this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe. It’s a lifesaver for those hectic nights when the family’s ravenous and patience is dwindling. Trust me, this dish is a game changer—it’s flavorful, easy to make, and feels like a fancy restaurant meal at home.
My favorite part? I can make it in less than 30 minutes! Let me walk you through why you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. And if you’re in the mood to explore more quick meal options, don’t miss my delightful breakfast pizza recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s a lot to adore about this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet. First off, it’s incredibly simple—perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but still crave a satisfying meal. The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry. Plus, the whole dish is cooked in one skillet. Yay for easy clean-up!
And let’s not forget the flavor! The combination of buttery garlic and zesty lemon creates a sauce that’s so delicious, you’ll want to spoon it over everything. It’s perfect for picky eaters and seafood lovers alike. If you’re like me and always looking for practical, tasty dinner solutions, this recipe is your new best friend.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets of white fish (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions
Here’s how easy it is to make thisLemon Butter Fish Fillet.
Prepare the fish
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get that perfectly crispy exterior. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, and then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook the fillets
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned fish fillets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and flaky. Trust me; this part fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that’ll have everyone asking what’s for dinner!
Make the sauce
Remove the fish from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and remaining olive oil. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the lemon juice and zest and season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve
Drizzle this lovely lemon butter sauce over your cooked fish fillets and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and watch as everyone enjoys a dinner that feels fancy but was oh-so-easy to make!
Recipe tips & variations
To switch things up, try adding some capers to the sauce for a briny kick. Or, if you’re feeling bold, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add nice heat.
For a complete meal, serve over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. Got leftovers? This dish is surprisingly delightful cold in a salad the next day.
Looking to bulk it up a bit? Toss in a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes while making the sauce for added nutrition and color.
Storage & reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I suggest using the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and let the fish warm up for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the fish might get dry!
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.
What other fish can I use?
Any white fish works well, such as snapper or grouper. Just be mindful of varying thicknesses and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a good-quality dairy-free alternative or use additional olive oil instead.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane grater for fine zest or a vegetable peeler for larger strips. Avoid the white pith—it’s bitter and could affect the taste.
Recipes you may like
I’ve got more quick and tasty recipes for you to try. Check out these favorites:
- Crescent roll breakfast recipes
- Breakfast potatoes recipe – easy & crispy
- Breakfast pizza recipe – easy & cheesy
Cooking dinner shouldn’t be a chore, and with this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet, it never has to be. Enjoy every bite and pat yourself on the back for making a delicious, homemade meal in no time!
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Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delightful Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe that’s quick, easy, and feels like a fancy restaurant meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets of white fish (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, and then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned fish fillets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and flaky.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and remaining olive oil. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the lemon juice and zest and season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle this lovely lemon butter sauce over your cooked fish fillets and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To switch things up, try adding some capers to the sauce for a briny kick.
- For a complete meal, serve over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
- Got leftovers? This dish is surprisingly delightful cold in a salad the next day.
- Toss in a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes while making the sauce for added nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg