Ingredients for Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

• White fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, or flounder): The base for our healthy weeknight delight. Choose flaky white fish like cod or tilapia for best results. Pat dry.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a golden crust. Essential for the lemon butter sauce. Use unsalted for better salt control.
• Fresh lemons: The star, providing bright, tangy flavor. Crucial for this ultimate lemon butter fish fillet. Always use fresh juice.
• Olive oil: Initial cooking fat for searing. Helps achieve a golden crust and prevents sticking. Choose a good quality extra virgin.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic foundation, building depth. Essential for a flavorful lemon butter sauce. Mince finely for even distribution.
• Small shallot, minced: Milder, sweeter onion flavor. Adds complexity to the pan sauce. Mince finely so it melts into the sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish. Brightens the entire dish. Chop right before serving for maximum vibrancy.
• Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a light, flavorful pan sauce. Adds moisture and body. Use low-sodium to control overall saltiness.
• Kosher salt, or to taste: Enhances all flavors. Absolutely essential for proper seasoning of the healthy lemon butter fish. Season generously.
• Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle, fresh bite. Freshly ground is key for superior flavor. Grind generously over the fish.
• Smoked paprika: Provides a warm, subtle smokiness and beautiful color. Balances the lemon’s brightness. A lovely addition.
• Red pepper flakes, optional: Optional gentle heat. Adds a slight, pleasant kick to the sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

How to Make Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

Prep Ingredients:

Pat fish dry, season with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mince garlic and shallot, chop fresh parsley, and juice one lemon. This essential initial prep makes your cooking process smooth and efficient.

Sauté Aromatics:

In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallot, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Ensure they soften without browning to build a delicate flavor base.

Sear Fish:

Place seasoned fish fillets into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should easily flake with a fork, indicating a perfectly cooked Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe.

Simmer Sauce:

Remove fish to a plate. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes to finish this vibrant sauce.

Sauce Fish:

Return the seared fish fillets to the pan, nestling them into the simmering lemon butter sauce. Spoon the vibrant sauce generously over each fillet. This ensures every bite of your Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe is infused with flavor.

Garnish & Serve:

Garnish your Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite healthy sides, like rice or steamed vegetables, for a truly satisfying meal.

How to Store Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

To store any leftover Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the fish can become unpleasantly dry. Always check for off-smells or sliminess before consuming; if in doubt, discard it.

You can prep aromatics and parsley a day ahead, keeping them sealed. For optimal texture, cook and serve the fish immediately after saucing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth. Don’t overcook when reheating, otherwise it dries out quickly, a mistake I’ve made!

What to Serve with Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet Recipe

Serve this Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet immediately, warm, for the best flavor experience. For a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges. It’s perfect to pair with a crisp white wine or a simple side of steamed asparagus. Enjoy this dish as a light, yet satisfying meal.

My favorite way to serve this dish is with fluffy basmati rice. The rice perfectly soaks up the rich lemon butter sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful. It’s a simple, satisfying pairing to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen fish fillets instead of fresh for this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish, but ensure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry. Excess moisture prevents a good sear, making your fish less golden and flaky. I learned this the hard way with soggy results.

→ How do I prevent my fish from sticking to the pan when making Lemon Butter Fish Fillet?

Ensure your skillet is hot before adding fish and don’t overcrowd the pan. Patting fish very dry is crucial for a good sear and easy release. Overcooking also makes it stick, so trust the cooking times.

→ How long can I store leftover Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet?

You can store leftover Lemon Butter Fish Fillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the fish tends to dry out and lose its delicate texture. Always check for freshness before eating.

→ Can I make this Lemon Butter Fish Fillet ahead or freeze it for later?

While you can prep aromatics ahead, cooking and serving the fish immediately is best for optimal texture. Freezing cooked fish isn’t recommended as it often becomes rubbery and dry upon reheating. I’ve tried, and it’s disappointing.

→ Can I make this Quick and Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative or use additional olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and healthy. I’ve found some great plant-based butters work well.