Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light, flavorful, and restaurant-style dish featuring tender fish cooked in a rich garlic butter and lemon sauce. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals served with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, or salmon)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Ingredient Notes
- Fish choice: Mild white fish like tilapia or cod works best for this recipe.
- Butter + oil: Oil prevents burning while butter adds rich flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives the best bright, tangy taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for bold flavor.
Instructions
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook fish for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Return fish to the pan and spoon sauce over fillets.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
Tips
- Don’t overcook fish—it should flake easily but stay moist.
- Use a non-stick or cast iron pan for best sear.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big flavor difference.
- Spoon sauce over fish just before serving for maximum flavor.
Variations
- Creamy Lemon Butter Fish: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Herb Upgrade: Use dill, thyme, or basil instead of parsley.
- Garlic Parmesan Fish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan into the sauce.