This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender fish with a tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with protein and fresh flavors without being heavy.
- Customizable: Works with a variety of white fish and side dishes.
- Restaurant-Quality: Elegant and delicious, but simple enough to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or halibut)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- If desired, lightly coat the fillets in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Fish:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let it slightly reduce.
- Stir in the lemon zest and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, drizzled with the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Skip the flour or use a gluten-free alternative for coating.
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with dill, basil, or chives for a new flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Citrus Blend: Combine lemon with a bit of orange or lime juice for added complexity.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm the fish and sauce in a skillet over low heat to maintain its texture and flavor. Avoid using a microwave to prevent overcooking the fish.
- Freezing: The fish can be frozen for up to 1 month, but the sauce is best made fresh.
FAQs
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Tilapia, cod, halibut, or any mild white fish fillet works well.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before cooking.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad pair wonderfully.
Can I bake the fish instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then drizzle with the sauce.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the skillet?
Ensure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the fish, and avoid moving it too soon while cooking.
Can I add other flavors to the sauce?
Absolutely! Try capers, white wine, or a pinch of paprika for added depth.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice and zest offer the best flavor.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild flavors make it appealing to children. You can omit the lemon zest if they prefer a subtler citrus taste.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers vibrant flavors in every bite. Its light, buttery sauce perfectly complements tender fish fillets, creating a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender fish with a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or halibut)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- If desired, lightly coat the fillets in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Fish:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let it slightly reduce.
- Stir in the lemon zest and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, drizzled with the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Fusion
Keywords: Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet