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!

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Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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