Description

This Lemon Butter Garlic Fish recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare white fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, or halibut. Pan-seared to a golden perfection, the fish is bathed in a luscious lemon butter garlic sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for mild heat. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, it makes a delightful main course perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare and Season Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Pan-Sear the Fish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned fish fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter garlic sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors and heat through completely.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley evenly over the fish. Serve immediately with lemon slices for added brightness and optional accompaniments such as rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

Notes

Serve alongside rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
You can alternatively bake the fish in the oven and pour the lemon butter garlic sauce over before serving.
For best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.