Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy family meal. Tender white fish fillets are baked over fresh lemon slices and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a fresh and aromatic seafood dish that’s ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter recipe is simple, elegant, and packed with bright flavor. The lemon adds freshness while the garlic butter creates a rich, savory sauce that enhances the natural taste of the fish.
Another reason to love this dish is how quick it is to prepare. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a healthy, restaurant-quality seafood dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon
1 ½ lb white fish fillets
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Zest the lemon using a fine grater and add the zest to the garlic butter. Stir gently to combine.
- Slice the lemon into thin rounds and place the slices evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fish with sea salt and black pepper.
- Place the fish fillets on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish.
- Spoon or brush the lemon garlic butter evenly over the fish.
- Bake the Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Choose firm white fish such as cod, halibut, haddock, tilapia, or sea bass for the best texture.
Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps the butter sauce stick better.
If your fillets are thicker, they may need a few extra minutes of baking.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the butter sauce.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, Gluten-Free, Low Carb
Notes
Serve this baked fish with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors even more.
You can also add sliced onions or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for extra flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fat: 15 g
FAQ
What type of fish works best for baked fish with lemon garlic butter?
White fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, haddock, or sea bass works best because it absorbs the lemon garlic butter flavor well.
How do I know when baked fish is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Can I make this recipe with frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before baking.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes bake well alongside the fish.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Storage
Store leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet over low heat.
Freezing cooked fish is not recommended as it may change texture.
Similar Recipes
Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon
- 1 ½ lb white fish fillets
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Zest the lemon using a fine grater and add the zest to the garlic butter. Stir gently to combine.
- Slice the lemon into thin rounds and place the slices evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fish with sea salt and black pepper.
- Place the fish fillets on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish.
- Spoon or brush the lemon garlic butter evenly over the fish.
- Bake the Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly minced parsley before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful seafood recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or healthy dinners. With fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, and tender baked fish, this dish delivers bright and satisfying flavors with minimal effort.