Introduction

This zesty lemon butter fish fillet recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare white fish. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a bright, savory sauce that perfectly complements tender fish fillets. Ideal for a light weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Two thick pieces of grilled white fish are placed side by side on a white plate. Each fish piece has a golden-brown, slightly crispy top layer with grill marks, and small green herb bits sprinkled over them. Underneath the fish is a thin layer of a shiny, light yellow buttery sauce that spreads on the plate. On the right side of the plate, there are several thin lemon slices arranged in an overlapping row. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with lemon zest. Let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the fish.
Step 7: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the fish in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
Swap parsley with fresh dill or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist.
Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Two thick, golden-brown grilled fish fillets with a slightly crispy texture and grill marks lay side by side on a white plate. The fillets are topped with finely chopped green herbs. Around the fish is a light, glossy sauce with a smooth texture, creating a small pool. In the back right of the plate, there are several overlapping slices of bright yellow lemon, adding a fresh contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

What fish types work best with lemon butter sauce?

White, mild-flavored fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, or sole work best as they absorb the lemon butter flavors well without overpowering them.

Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 121 reviews

A simple and flavorful Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe featuring tender white fish fillets cooked to perfection in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic and fresh parsley. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, delivering bright citrus notes balanced by creamy butter and aromatic herbs.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Fish Fillets

4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)

Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Fish Fillets: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Fish: Place the seasoned fish fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Once the fish is nearly cooked through, squeeze the juice of the lemon over the fillets and sprinkle the lemon zest, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter sauce.
Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fish, and spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.