Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – A Light & Flavorful Delight

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🍋🧈 Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – A Light & Flavorful Delight

🐟 Recipe Overview:

This dish is pan-seared fish fillet, lightly seasoned, then topped with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. It’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

📝 Ingredients:

For the Fish:

  • 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, or snapper)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

  • 2 tbsp flour (for light dredging – optional)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp)

  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but adds great flavor)

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

  • Salt to taste

🔪 Instructions:

1. Prep the Fish:

  • Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.

  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Lightly dredge in flour if using (this gives a light crust and helps sauce cling).

2. Sear the Fish:

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

  • Add fillets and cook 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.

  • Remove and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • In the same pan, reduce heat to low.

  • Add butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).

  • Add lemon juice and zest. Stir and let it simmer for 1 minute.

  • Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt.

4. Finish & Serve:

  • Return fish to the pan briefly to coat with sauce or drizzle the sauce over plated fish.

  • Serve with rice, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra lemon slices if desired.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

  • Steamed asparagus or green beans

  • Herbed rice or lemon couscous

  • Roasted potatoes or a fresh salad

❓ Q&A – Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

Q1: What type of fish works best for this recipe?
A: Any mild, white fish fillet like tilapia, cod, halibut, haddock, or snapper. Avoid oily fish like salmon if you’re aiming for a light and clean lemon-butter flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the butter with a good-quality vegan butter or use olive oil. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
A: You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, cleaner flavor. Lemon zest is optional but enhances the lemon aroma.

Q4: Can I bake the fish instead of pan-searing it?
A: Yes. Bake the seasoned fish at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle with lemon butter sauce after cooking.

Q5: How do I keep the fish from falling apart?
A: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish and avoid flipping too early. Using a wide spatula helps too. Also, pat the fish dry to help it sear.

Q6: Can I add capers or white wine to the sauce?
A: Definitely! Add 1 tbsp capers with the garlic or deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp white wine before adding lemon juice for a more complex sauce.

🕒 Quick Tips:

  • This entire meal comes together in under 25 minutes.

  • Use real butter for the best flavor.

  • Pair with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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