Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet (Printer-Friendly)
Golden seared fish fillets soaked in vibrant lemon butter with parsley and garlic. Swift prep, bold flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 white fish fillets, such as tilapia or cod (about 6 ounces each)
02 -
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
03 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
04 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
05 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 -
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
07 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 -
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
→ Garnish
09 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 -
Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Pat dry the fish fillets with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
02 -
Heat extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and the surface shimmers.
03 -
Place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fish is golden brown and releases easily. Transfer to a warm plate and cover loosely.
04 -
Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
05 -
Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir in lemon zest. Simmer for 1 minute, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for depth of flavor.
06 -
Return cooked fish fillets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the lemon butter. Spoon sauce over each fillet to coat thoroughly.
07 -
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve at once with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy the dish promptly for optimal texture and flavor.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Pat fish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden sear.
02 -
Use a microplane or fine grater for lemon zest to avoid bitterness from the pith.
03 -
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed within two days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or lemon juice to retain moisture.