If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant seafood dish that melts in your mouth, this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe is pure perfection. The fish is tender and flaky, the butter sauce rich and velvety, and the touch of lemon adds a bright, fresh finish that balances everything out. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy: From stovetop to plate in about 20 minutes.
Healthy yet indulgent: The buttery sauce feels luxurious, but it’s balanced with the lightness of fish and lemon.
Versatile: Works with cod, tilapia, haddock, snapper, or any white fish you have.
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🐟 Ingredients You’ll Need
4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light coating)
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for pan-searing)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the sauce)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish
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🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Lightly dust with flour to give the fish a gentle crust when cooked.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Fillets
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets (skin side down if applicable).
Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish turns golden and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Add lemon juice and zest, then stir well. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over it. Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Lemon Butter Fish Fillet with:
Steamed vegetables or sautéed spinach
Garlic butter rice or mashed potatoes
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Crusty bread to soak up that golden lemon butter sauce
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💡 Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary for even searing
Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Light, Flaky & Bursting with Flavor!
