Description
This Lemon Butter Fish recipe features tender, flaky white fish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in a silky lemon butter sauce infused with fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 lb white fish (about four 4-oz fillets, such as halibut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Fresh lemon slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet to season thoroughly.
- Sear the Fish: Heat a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add olive oil, then place the seasoned fish fillets in the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes, until golden brown and the fish easily lifts from the pan. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add butter to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to just start browning. Stir in lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking over low heat for 2 more minutes, stirring until the sauce is smooth and aromatic.
- Finish Cooking and Serve: Add fresh lemon slices into the sauce in the skillet. Return the fish fillets to the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 3 more minutes, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the fish every 30 seconds to soak up the flavors. Once cooked through, garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent the fish from sticking during searing.
- Halibut is recommended for its firm texture, but cod, tilapia, or snapper are good substitutes.
- Ensure the fish fillets are of even thickness to promote even cooking.
- Serving suggestion: steamed vegetables or rice complement this dish well.
- Do not overcook the fish to maintain its flaky texture and moistness.
