Do you love meals that taste restaurant-quality but take less than 30 minutes to make? Or are you looking for a light, healthy dinner that still bursts with flavor?If yes — this Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is exactly what you need! It’s fresh, tangy, and buttery all at once — the perfect weeknight dish that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
4 fillets of white fish (cod, tilapia, or haddock work best)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 2 lemons (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions (Step-by-Step & Detailed)
1 Prepare the Fish
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel — this helps them brown beautifully and prevents sticking.
Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Let the fish rest for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to help it cook evenly.
2 Cook the Fish
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, gently lay the fillets in the pan.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and flaky when tested with a fork.
Remove the fish carefully and place it on a plate. Cover lightly with foil to keep warm.
3 Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (do not clean it — those brown bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter and olive oil, letting the butter melt completely.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest, stirring constantly.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
4 Combine and Serve
Return the fish fillets to the skillet for about 30 seconds, spooning the sauce over them so they absorb all that lemony butter goodness.
Transfer the fish to a serving platter and drizzle more sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and thin lemon slices for a beautiful, vibrant finish.
Serving Tips:
Serve with steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light rice pilaf.
For a Mediterranean touch, pair it with a fresh cucumber-tomato salad and drizzle of olive oil.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the fish tender.
Nutrition (Per Serving, approx.):
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbs: 2 g
ENJOY YOUR MEAL
