Description
This Fantastic Lemon Butter Fillet recipe features tender white fish fillets pan-seared to perfection and finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley. It’s a quick, flavorful, and healthy main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock, about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan for even cooking.
- Cook the Fish: Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Make Lemon Sauce: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the fillets. Spoon the melted butter sauce from the pan over the fish to coat it with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the fish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like steamed vegetables or rice.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of paprika or add a dash of white wine to the butter sauce during cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish to maintain a tender, flaky texture.
- This recipe works well with both skinless or skin-on fillets depending on your preference.
