A light and refreshing dish perfect for any weeknight dinner, this Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet features tender fish fillets cooked to perfection, complemented by a tangy and aromatic lemon butter sauce. The sauce is a harmonious blend of lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh parsley, providing a burst of citrus flavor that enhances the delicate taste of the fish. It’s a simple, yet sophisticated recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or even a crisp salad, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
For this flavorful dish, you’ll need fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or halibut. These fillets are perfect because they cook quickly and have a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon butter sauce. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the fillets, while a light coating of flour helps to create a delicate crispness on the outside of the fish. Olive oil and unsalted butter are the base for cooking, with butter adding richness to the sauce. Garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest combine to form the delicious sauce that infuses the fish with citrusy goodness. Fresh parsley brings a touch of color and fresh flavor to the final dish, and lemon slices are a beautiful garnish to complete the presentation.
Instructions
To begin, prepare the fish by patting the fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and golden exterior when cooked. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat each fillet with flour, shaking off any excess. This coating will help achieve a slight crispiness when pan-searing the fish.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish fillets to the skillet. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The fillets should be firm to the touch and opaque in the center. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and thicken.
Once the sauce has reduced, stir in the lemon zest and fresh chopped parsley. The zest adds a bright, fragrant citrus note, while the parsley gives a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top to ensure that the fish is well-coated. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional chopped parsley if desired.
The dish is now ready to be served. Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The lemon butter sauce pairs beautifully with light sides, making this dish perfect for a fresh and satisfying dinner.
Tips
For the best results, use fresh, high-quality fish fillets. Fresh fish will have a more delicate texture and a fresher taste compared to frozen fillets. If you must use frozen fish, make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. You can adjust the level of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or an additional squeeze of lemon juice. For a little extra depth, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce along with the chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, complement the bright flavors of the dish. Rice, particularly jasmine or basmati, works well to absorb the lemon butter sauce, making every bite flavorful. Alternatively, a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would balance the richness of the fish and sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving the fish fillets with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a comforting side.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish. If you prefer to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the fish fillets and lemon butter sauce separately. The fish will keep for up to three months in the freezer, while the sauce can be stored for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat the fish and sauce separately, then combine just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use any type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any mild, white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, halibut, or even sole. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so be sure to check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.
Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the lemon butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving, and be sure to stir in fresh parsley and lemon zest right before serving to maintain their vibrant flavors.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should no longer be translucent in the center, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a simple yet elegant dish that brings fresh, bright flavors to your table. The combination of lightly pan-seared fish fillets and a tangy, buttery lemon sauce creates a perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s an easy recipe that’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you enjoy it with rice, vegetables, or potatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
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Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Description
A light, flavorful dish with tender fish fillets cooked to perfection in a tangy lemon butter sauce, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat the fillets in flour.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
5️⃣ Stir in lemon zest and parsley. Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fish, and garnish with lemon slices.
6️⃣ Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings