Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – Bright, Flavorful, and Tender

This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light, flavorful dish that combines tender, flaky fish with a buttery lemon sauce bursting with freshness. Quick to make and elegant enough for entertaining, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The balance of rich butter and tangy lemon creates a simple yet irresistible flavor that pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender & Flaky – Perfectly cooked fish that melts in your mouth.
Bright & Fresh – Lemon adds zest and freshness to every bite.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile Dish – Works with any mild white fish and pairs with many sides.

Ingredients

  • 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or haddock)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish
    Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Fish
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fish fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and flaky. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and zest, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until sauce is slightly reduced.
  4. Combine and Serve
    Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~280
Protein: 26g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon makes a big difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Fish – Fish cooks quickly; remove as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Fresh Herbs Add Brightness – Parsley or dill give an extra pop of freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

The mild, flaky fish absorbs the rich, tangy lemon butter sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s light yet full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you get a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick, refreshing, and elegant dish that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for special dinners. With tender fish, a rich lemon butter sauce, and fresh herbs, it’s a recipe that delivers bright, bold flavor in every bite.

Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – Bright, Flavorful, and Tender

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Tender, flaky fish fillets topped with a rich lemon butter sauce — a fresh, zesty, and satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

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

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of 1 large lemon

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare the Fish
    Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the Fish
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fish fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and flaky. Transfer to a plate.
  • Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and zest, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until sauce is slightly reduced.
  • Combine and Serve
    Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon makes a big difference in flavor.
    Don’t Overcook the Fish – Fish cooks quickly; remove as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
    Fresh Herbs Add Brightness – Parsley or dill give an extra pop of freshness.

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