Here’s a complete recipe for a Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet—bright, flavorful, and quick to make:
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, or your choice)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fish
- Pat fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the fillets
Option 1 – Pan-searing:- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook fillets 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
Option 2 – Baking:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fillets in a greased baking dish.
- Dot with butter and bake 12–15 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the lemon butter sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest. Remove from heat.
- Serve
- Drizzle lemon butter sauce over cooked fillets.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Tips & Variations
- Extra zesty: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb twist: Add thyme, dill, or basil to the sauce.
- Crispy finish: Lightly coat fillets with flour before pan-searing for a crispier crust.
- Quick meal: Serve with microwaved or sautéed green beans and mashed potatoes for a complete dinner.
If you want, I can also make a “restaurant-style lemon butter fish fillet” version with a garlicky browned butter sauce and crispy edges 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
