This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any seafood lover. The flaky fish fillets are coated in a rich lemon butter sauce with a hint of garlic, fresh herbs, and a zesty burst of lemon. It’s quick, simple, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete, healthy meal!
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Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Bright and Zesty: The fresh lemon and herbs give the dish a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Buttery and Rich: The creamy lemon butter sauce adds a smooth richness without being overwhelming.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Light Yet Satisfying: The fish is light but filling, making it a great choice for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Zester or grater
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon for serving
How to Make Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Step 1: Season the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
- Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet with a side of roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a light salad. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Choose Fresh Fish: Fresh fish will always have a better texture and flavor than frozen. However, frozen fillets work just as well if fresh is unavailable.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. The fillets should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Add Extra Zest: If you love lemon, feel free to add extra lemon zest or juice to the sauce.
- Use Other Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, you can substitute with rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover fish fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid to prevent drying out. You can also microwave the fillets for a few seconds until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use any other type of fish for this recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe works with a variety of white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, flounder, or haddock. You can also use salmon for a richer flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before serving with the fish.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A: Yes! You can use olive oil in place of butter for a lighter option, though the richness of the butter is what gives this dish its signature flavor.
Conclusion: A Bright, Flavorful Dish!
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is the perfect balance of buttery richness and fresh, zesty lemon flavors. It’s quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress everyone at the table!
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy this fresh, light, and flavorful fish fillet with a tangy lemon butter sauce—it’s a true seafood delight!
Print
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any seafood lover. The flaky fish fillets are coated in a rich lemon butter sauce with a hint of garlic, fresh herbs, and a zesty burst of lemon. It’s quick, simple, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete, healthy meal!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
- Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Fish: Fresh fish will always have a better texture and flavor than frozen. However, frozen fillets work just as well if fresh is unavailable.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. The fillets should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Add Extra Zest: If you love lemon, feel free to add extra lemon zest or juice to the sauce.
- Use Other Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, you can substitute with rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
