Description
This Lemon Butter Garlic Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets cooked to perfection in a skillet with a rich and fragrant lemon butter garlic sauce. It’s a quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired main course that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and creamy butter creates a deliciously balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish fillets carefully and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through, easily flaking with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon Elements: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the butter and garlic mixture, combining thoroughly to form a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked fish fillets to the pan, spooning the lemon butter garlic sauce over the top. Allow the fish to simmer gently in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and soak up the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the fish to plates and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- For more depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the butter and garlic sauce while cooking.
- Be gentle when flipping the fish fillets to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- If unable to find white fish fillets, other flaky, mild fish like snapper or halibut can be substituted.
