Description
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring tender white fish fillets pan-seared to perfection and topped with a vibrant lemon butter garlic sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, making it an easy and elegant main course ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Fillets
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes to heat the fish through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fish and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, vegetables, or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe works well with any mild white fish such as cod, tilapia, or haddock.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the fish fillets briefly in lemon juice and olive oil before cooking.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
- To keep the fish moist, avoid overcooking and adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
