Description
This Lemon Butter Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in a fragrant lemon butter sauce with fresh parsley. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 lb white fish (about four 4-oz fillets, such as halibut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Fresh lemon slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Pan-Sear the Fish: Heat a skillet on medium heat for about 1 minute. Add olive oil to the skillet, then place the fish fillets in it. Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until they turn golden and can be lifted easily from the pan. Remove the fish fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat on the same skillet. Add butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly, releasing nutty aromas. Add lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the sauce for another 2 minutes on low heat until it’s smooth and fragrant.
- Finish Cooking the Fish in the Sauce: Add fresh lemon slices directly into the skillet sauce. Return the fish fillets to the pan and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3 more minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish every 30 seconds to let the fillets soak up the lemony butter flavor. Once done, garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Ensure fish fillets are dry before seasoning to achieve a nice sear.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to complement the dish.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent fish from sticking.
