There’s nothing quite like the bright, fresh flavors of Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet. This dish is light, flaky, and infused with a buttery citrus sauce that makes every bite absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is simple, elegant, and full of flavor!
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Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Light & Flavorful – The buttery lemon sauce enhances the delicate fish.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy Choice – High in protein, low in carbs, and full of Omega-3s.
- Versatile – Works with any white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut.
Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for a tangy twist)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Zester or grater
- Small bowl
How to Make Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and flaky.
- Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 1 minute.
- Add parsley and capers (if using), stirring to combine.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley and lemon slices for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice or Quinoa – A simple grain base to soak up the sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Alongside a Crisp Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
- With Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For a comforting, buttery side.
Tips for the Best Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Use Fresh Lemon – Fresh juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish – White fish cooks quickly; check for flakiness with a fork.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs for texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Swap butter for olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
- Freeze Not Recommended: Fish is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the best fish to use for this recipe?
Any mild, flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper works great!
Q2: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then drizzle with the lemon butter sauce.
Q3: Can I use frozen fish?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
A Bright & Refreshing Seafood Dish!
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a healthy lunch or an elegant dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
Enjoy every fresh, citrusy bite of this Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet! 🍋🐟✨
Print
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like the bright, fresh flavors of Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet. This dish is light, flaky, and infused with a buttery citrus sauce that makes every bite absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is simple, elegant, and full of flavor!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for a tangy twist)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and flaky.
- Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 1 minute.
- Add parsley and capers (if using), stirring to combine.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley and lemon slices for garnish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemon – Fresh juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish – White fish cooks quickly; check for flakiness with a fork.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs for texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Swap butter for olive oil or dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
