Hereβs a simple, delicious Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe you can use with almost any mild white fish (tilapia, cod, haddock, flounder, mahi-mahi, swai, etc.). No search needed β this is a dependable classic.
π Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
β Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (about 4β6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional but very good)
- 2β3 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)
- Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2β3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2β3 tbsp)
- Zest of Β½ lemon (optional)
- 1β2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt + pepper to taste
- Optional: 1β2 tbsp white wine or chicken broth for extra flavor
π₯ Directions
1. Season the Fish
Pat fish dry. Season both sides with:
β salt
β pepper
β garlic powder (optional)
2. Sear the Fillets
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2β3 tbsp oil or butter.
- Cook fish 2β4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
- Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer fillets to a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Use the same pan:
- Add 4 tbsp butter.
- When melted, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice (and wine/broth if using).
- Let simmer 1 minute to thicken slightly.
- Stir in parsley, lemon zest, and adjust seasoning.
4. Serve
Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the fish.
Serve immediately with rice, pasta, veggies, potatoes, or salad.
π½ Tips & Variations
- Crispy version: Lightly dredge fish in flour before searing.
- Baked version: Bake seasoned fish at 400Β°F for 12β15 min and pour lemon butter over at the end.
- Creamy variation: Add ΒΌ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a lemon-cream finish.
- Cajun twist: Season fish with Cajun seasoning + lemon pepper.
If you want, I can also give you:
β
Air fryer lemon butter fish
β
Sheet-pan version
β
Lemon butter shrimp or salmon versions
Just tell me!