Bright & Tangy Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

Fish dinners can spark pure magic when you master the art of lemon butter fish fillet with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Succulent white fish transforms when kissed by bright, tangy lemon and rich, golden butter.

A splash of fresh herbs adds depth to this elegant seafood dish that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together in mere minutes.

Mediterranean coastal cooking inspires this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will make you feel like a professional chef.

The delicate flakiness of perfectly cooked fish meets the luxurious silkiness of butter sauce in every single bite.

Quick, light, and bursting with zesty notes, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

Impress your guests with this effortlessly elegant seafood centerpiece that celebrates the pure, clean flavors of fresh fish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Ingredients

• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic kick that enhances the fish's natural flavor without overpowering it.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the fish surface.
• Salt: Helps to draw out moisture and intensify the overall taste of the fillet.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a sharp, spicy note that complements the delicate fish.

• Fish Fillet: Choose fresh, firm white fish like cod or halibut with a mild flavor that absorbs seasonings well.
• Paper Towels: Essential for removing excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when cooking.

Equipment for Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing fish to golden perfection.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for drying fish fillets and removing excess moisture.
• Spatula: Helps flip fish gently without breaking the delicate fillets.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing and seasoning fish.

Instructions for Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

• Prepare Fish Fillets

Grab your fresh fish and gently blot away excess moisture using paper towels. This helps create a perfect golden crust when cooking.

• Season with Zesty Spices

Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with a delightful blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each fillet gets an even coating for maximum flavor.

• Preheat Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil. You want the pan hot enough to create a beautiful sear on the fish.

• Cook Fish to Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet. Let them sizzle for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become flaky.

• Create Lemon Butter Sauce

While the fish cooks, quickly whip up a tangy lemon butter sauce by melting butter and squeezing fresh lemon juice into it. Drizzle this heavenly sauce over the cooked fish just before serving.

• Plate and Serve

Transfer the golden-brown fish fillets to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a lemon wedge for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Add-ins for Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

• Perfect Fillet Technique: Pat fish completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and enhances the delicate flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for coating to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme to add depth and brightness to the fish's seasoning profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip flour coating entirely and pan-sear the fish directly for a lighter, protein-focused meal that's keto-friendly and reduces unnecessary carbohydrates.
• Wine Pairing Trick: For enhanced flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking to create a quick, flavorful sauce that complements the lemon butter perfectly.

Plating & Serving Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the fish fillet to add a bright, herbal touch that complements the lemon butter sauce and enhances visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which balances the richness of the fish and brings out its delicate flavors.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the fish's delicate seasoning.
• Zesty Citrus Finish: Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to intensify the citrus notes and bring a vibrant, tangy brightness to the dish.

Storing Leftover Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover fish fillets in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 1-2 days maximum.
• Quick Freezing Method: Wrap individual fish portions in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag, maintaining quality for up to 3 weeks.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm fish in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring moisture stays locked in and texture remains delicate.
• Flavor Revival Trick: Before serving reheated fish, squeeze fresh lemon juice and add a small pat of butter to restore the original zesty, rich taste profile.

Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter fish fillet brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Delicate white fish marries zesty citrus and rich butter, creating an elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 fish fillets (6 oz/170 g) (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat both sides of the fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, massaging the spices into the fish to infuse deep flavor.
3. Pan Setup: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding a thin layer of olive oil or butter to create a perfect searing surface.
4. Cooking Process: Gently place seasoned fillets into the hot pan, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, then carefully flip and cook the other side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serving: Transfer perfectly cooked fillets to a serving plate, letting them rest briefly before adorning with fresh lemon wedges and optional herb garnish like parsley or dill.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat fish dry with paper towels to eliminate excess water, ensuring crisp, perfectly seasoned fillets that sear beautifully without steaming.
• Seasoning Technique: Distribute spices evenly by gently massaging them into the fish, creating a uniform flavor profile that penetrates the delicate flesh without overwhelming its natural taste.
• Heat Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust while maintaining the fish’s tender, flaky interior – avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and optimal caramelization.
• Doneness Check: Look for opaque, easily flaked texture and golden edges as indicators of perfectly cooked fish, typically taking 3-4 minutes per side depending on fillet thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg