Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: American, Seafood
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and tangy dish featuring tender fish fillets pan-seared in a zesty lemon butter sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or haddock)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
  • For a slightly richer sauce, you can add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: lemon butter fish fillet, pan-seared fish, lemon butter sauce, easy fish recipe, seafood dinner