Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a dish made by pan-searing or baking fish fillets and topping them with a sauce made primarily of lemon juice and butter. It’s a simple, flavorful preparation that highlights the freshness of the fish.
Key Ingredients:
Fish fillet (commonly white fish like cod, tilapia, sole, or snapper)
Butter
Lemon juice (and sometimes zest)
Garlic (optional)
Herbs (like parsley, dill, or thyme)
Salt & pepper
Typical Preparation:
- Season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Sear or bake it until cooked through.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and add lemon juice, sometimes with garlic or herbs.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish before serving.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 white fish fillets (like tilapia, cod, snapper, or haddock)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or use butter for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dust with flour if you want a light crust (optional).
- Cook the Fish:
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a nonstick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets and cook for 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the fish and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds (do not brown it).
- Add lemon juice and zest, stir to combine.
- Simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
- Assemble:
- Return the fish to the pan for 30 seconds to absorb flavors, or simply spoon the sauce over the fish on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
Serve with:
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- A fresh garden salad