A quick, flavorful fish recipe with a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Serves

4

Ingredients

Fish

• 4 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, mahi-mahi, or snapper), about 6 oz (170 g) each
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley

---

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Fish

1. Pat fish dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Cook the Fish

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add fish fillets.
3. Cook 3–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and flaky.
4. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
6. Add parsley and season to taste.

Step 4: Finish

1. Return fish to the skillet.
2. Spoon sauce over fillets.
3. Cook 1 minute more.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.

---

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrition varies with the type of fish used.

---

Chef’s Tips

Best Fish Choices

• Cod – mild and flaky
• Halibut – firm and meaty
• Mahi-Mahi – slightly sweet
• Tilapia – budget-friendly

For Extra Flavor

• Add 2 tablespoons capers.
• Stir in ¼ cup white wine before adding lemon juice.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving.

---

Q&A

Q: Can I bake the fish instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the fish.

Q: How do I know the fish is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q: What sides go well with it?

• Roasted vegetables
• Rice pilaf
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus
• Garden salad

Q: Can I use frozen fish?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, provided all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

This zesty lemon butter fish pairs especially well with roasted asparagus and garlic rice for a complete meal.