Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet packed with fresh, tangy lemon and buttery goodness. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something healthy and delicious. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, haddock, or your preferred white fish)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven (optional):
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer baking your fish.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the butter mixture adhere better and ensure they cook evenly.
- Season the fish fillets lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Fish:
- For Sautéing:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a bit of olive oil (if needed) and the fish fillets.
- Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (fish should easily flake when tested with a fork).
- Once cooked, reduce the heat and pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish. Let it simmer for an additional minute or two to let the flavors meld together.
- For Baking (Optional):
- Place the fish fillets in a baking dish, and pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- For Sautéing:
- Serve:
- Remove the fish fillets from the skillet or baking dish and plate them.
- Spoon some of the remaining lemon butter sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- For Extra Zing: Sprinkle some lemon zest or fresh herbs (like thyme, dill, or parsley) over the top for extra flavor.
Optional Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh dill, rosemary, or basil instead of thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Crispy Texture: For a crispy crust, lightly dredge the fish fillets in flour before cooking them in the skillet.
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is an easy-to-make, light, and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. The combination of lemon, butter, and garlic creates a rich yet refreshing flavor, perfect for seafood lovers. Enjoy!
