Description
How to make a quick and easy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet with fresh lemon, rich butter, and flaky fish that’s a healthy dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, or flounder)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 fresh lemons (1 juiced, 1 for wedges)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Flavor Builders & Aromatics:
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional Kick:
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Always pat fish fillets completely dry for a golden sear, preventing steaming and achieving flakiness.
Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a quality dairy-free alternative or additional olive oil.
Serve this dish immediately and warm, garnished with parsley, lemon wedges, and fluffy basmati rice.
Prep minced garlic, shallot, and chopped parsley a day ahead to make your cooking process smoother.
To enhance sauce richness, brown the butter until golden before adding aromatics for a nutty, deeper flavor.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Fish