Description
Lemon Butter Fish is a quick and flavorful skillet-cooked seafood dish featuring tender white fish fillets seared with paprika and garlic, then finished in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce with fresh parsley. Perfect for a light and elegant dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 lb white fish (about four 4-oz fillets, such as halibut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt & pepper, to taste (for finishing)
Cooking Fats and Flavorings
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Garnish
- Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat for 1 minute to prepare for cooking the fish.
- Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel, then rub the spice mixture evenly over each fillet to coat.
- Cook the fish: Add the olive oil to the preheated pan. Place the fish fillets in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on each side over medium heat until nicely seared and cooked through. Remove fish from the pan and set aside, lowering the heat afterward.
- Prepare the lemon butter sauce: In the same pan with the heat lowered, add the butter. Cook it for 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking on low heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer fish in the sauce: Add fresh lemon slices into the pan and layer the cooked fish fillets back into the pan. Cook over medium-low heat for another 3 minutes, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the fish every 30 seconds to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps ensure a nice sear.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Keep an eye on the butter to avoid burning; it should turn golden brown.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Adjust seasoning at the end according to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
