Description

These Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillets are light, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the buttery sauce, while tender white fish fillets cook to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick yet impressive dinner for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for lighter version)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Prep the Fish: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
Cook the Fish: Place the fillets in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until opaque and flaky. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest; cook for 1 minute.
Combine: Return fish to the pan and spoon sauce over fillets. Sprinkle with parsley.
Serve: Plate with lemon wedges and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. You can substitute parsley with dill or basil for a flavor twist. If using frozen fish, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
Calories: 230
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 65mg