Treat yourself to the bright, fresh flavors of our Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet! This dish features tender, flaky fish fillets lightly pan-seared and bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce that’s bursting with citrusy goodness. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is both simple and elegant. Let’s get started on this deliciously zesty seafood dish!
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Fish:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add the lemon zest and capers (if using), and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Return the Fish to the Skillet:
- Place the cooked fish fillets back into the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the fish through and coat it with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Transfer the fish fillets to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
How to Prepare
The key to this dish is the balance of flavors in the lemon butter sauce—the brightness of the lemon juice and zest complements the richness of the butter, while the garlic and capers add depth. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it should remain tender and flaky. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from steamed vegetables to rice or potatoes.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of fish? Yes, any white fish like halibut, haddock, or even salmon works well with this recipe.
- What can I serve with this dish? Pair it with steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it just before serving.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Can I add extra flavors to the sauce? Absolutely! A splash of white grape juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra dimension to the sauce.