Lemon Butter Fish Recipe
Lemon Butter Fish is an easy 20-minute white fish recipe.Season and pan-sear the fillets until golden and flaky.Finish with fresh lemon butter sauce and herbs.
Ingredients
- - 4 firm white fish fillets about 6 ounces each
- - 3 tablespoons butter melted
- - Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
- - ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus more to taste
- - 1 teaspoon paprika
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1 teaspoon onion powder
- - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- - 3 tablespoons olive oil
- - Fresh chopped basil or parsley
- - Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Pat the fish fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Season the fish evenly on both sides with the spice mixture, gently pressing the seasoning onto the fillets.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add two fish fillets, leaving enough space between them for even browning.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, lightly browned, and flakes easily.
- Drizzle a small amount of lemon butter sauce over the fish toward the end of cooking. Repeat with the remaining fillets, avoiding overcrowding the skillet.
- Transfer the Lemon Butter Fish to serving plates and spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with lemon slices.
Notes
Cod, halibut, haddock, mahi mahi, or another firm white fish can work well in this white fish recipe. Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the fillets.
For a lighter meal, serve the fish alongside steamed broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad. For something more filling, pair it with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes.
Fresh parsley gives the dish a clean, classic flavor, while basil adds a slightly sweeter herbal finish.