Name: Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Fish:; 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color); For the Lemon Butter Sauce:; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or fresh dill); 1 tsp honey or a pinch of sugar (to balance flavors)

Description

This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick and easy dinner option, ready in just 20 minutes! The fish is pan-seared until golden and topped with a buttery, garlicky, lemon-infused sauce for a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and high-protein meal, great for busy weeknights. Serve with rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes for a complete dish!

Ingredients

For the Fish:

4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh lemon zest

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

2 tbsp chopped parsley (or fresh dill)

1 tsp honey or a pinch of sugar (to balance flavors)

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Instructions

Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Fish
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and honey.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then mix in parsley.
Assemble & Serve
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish.
- Garnish with extra lemon slices and parsley.
- Serve with steamed veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Crispy Version: Dredge fillets in flour or panko before searing for a crunchier texture.

Oven-Baked: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then drizzle with sauce.

Creamy Twist: Add 2 tbsp of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.

Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Herb Swap: Try fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro instead of parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner, Seafood
Method: Pan-seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings