Description
This Lemon Butter Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, fragrant lemon butter sauce with fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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
For Cooking
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet to ensure even seasoning and flavor penetration.
- Sear the Fish: Heat a skillet on medium heat for about 1 minute. Add olive oil to the heated skillet, then place the fish fillets in the pan. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown and the fish easily lifts from the pan. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside carefully to avoid breaking the fillets.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to brown, releasing nutty aroma. Stir in lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and fragrant.
- Finish Cooking and Serve: Add fresh lemon slices to the sauce in the skillet. Return the fish fillets to the pan and cook over medium-low heat for an additional 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish every 30 seconds to help the fillets absorb all the vibrant flavors. Once cooked through, top with more fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables or rice.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance freshness and color.
- Do not overcook the fish; 2 minutes per side plus finishing in sauce ensures tender, flaky fillets.
- Adjust seasoning in the lemon butter sauce to your taste preference.
- This recipe works best with firm white fish such as halibut, cod, or sea bass.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
