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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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