Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

Tender, flaky fish fillets cooked in a bright and buttery lemon sauce with garlic and herbs. This easy dish is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a simple family dinner. Serve it with roasted vegetables, salad, rice, or potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 white fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, or basa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the fish fillets and cook until golden and cooked through, turning carefully once. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter to the same skillet.
5. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce bubble gently for a minute.
7. Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the zesty lemon butter sauce generously over the top.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Choose firm fish fillets so they hold together well during cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the fish, as it can become dry.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice gives the best bright, zesty flavor.
• Spoon the sauce over the fish just before serving to keep the fillets moist and flavorful.

Related Questions & Answers

What type of fish is best for lemon butter fish?
Cod, haddock, tilapia, basa, halibut, or other firm white fish work beautifully.

Can I bake the fish instead?
Yes. Place the seasoned fish in a baking dish, pour the lemon butter sauce over it, and bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. Use olive oil instead, although butter gives the sauce its rich and classic flavor.

How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish should look opaque throughout and flake easily when gently tested with a fork.

What should I serve with lemon butter fish?
Steamed or roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes are all excellent choices.