Description
Succulent Lemon Butter Fish Fillet dances with zesty Mediterranean charm, promising a culinary escape to coastal kitchens. Delicate seafood meets rich, velvety sauce, inviting you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite of pure ocean-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fish Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each) (cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously blot fish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when cooking. Generously season both surfaces with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment. Gently place seasoned fillets into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 3-4 minutes. The fish should easily separate when tested with a fork, indicating perfect doneness. Transfer cooked fillets to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a rich foundation. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously until aromatic and lightly golden, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.
- Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle zest into the skillet, using a spatula to lift any caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. This technique enhances the sauce’s depth and complexity.
- Calibrate the sauce’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper. Fold in vibrant chopped parsley, distributing herbs evenly throughout the buttery liquid.
- Carefully return fish fillets to the skillet, gently coating them with the lemon-infused butter sauce. Warm the fillets for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and succulent.
- Present the dish immediately, optionally garnishing with additional parsley sprigs and delicate lemon slices to enhance visual appeal and provide a bright, citrusy accent.
Notes
- Ensure fish is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality fish fillets like cod, halibut, or tilapia for the best texture and taste in this quick-cooking recipe.
- Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain the fish’s delicate, flaky texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or almond flour instead of traditional flour when seasoning the fish, keeping the dish light and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 383
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg