Lemon Butter Fish: 10 Min Feast

Name: Lemon Butter Fish: 10 Min Feast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock); 60g all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 60g unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 60ml chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices for garnish

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

Lemon Butter Fish has a way of making any meal feel special, and I’ve discovered it’s actually incredibly simple to make at home. I remember the first time I tried it at a little seaside restaurant; the flaky white fish practically melted in my mouth, coated in this luxuriously tangy, buttery sauce. It felt so elegant, yet approachable. This Easy Lemon Butter Fish Recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, impressive dinner without much fuss. You might be wondering, What is Lemon Butter Fish, exactly? It’s a preparation where tender fish fillets are pan-seared or baked and then bathed in a luscious sauce made from butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and often a splash of broth or wine. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Fish

The Lemon Butter Fish flavor profile is simply divine – a perfect harmony of tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic.
It’s incredibly quick, with a prep time of only 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal, as fish is packed with lean protein and omega-3s.
It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, especially when you use versatile fish like Lemon Butter Cod.
The dish is wonderfully family-friendly; even picky eaters usually adore the mild, buttery taste of Lemon Butter Cod.
You get that elegant restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
It’s a simple preparation that lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through.

Lemon Butter Fish Ingredients

Gathering these Lemon Butter Fish Ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious meal. I find having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet elegant dish:

4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock) – about 6 ounces each; choose your favorite!
60g all-purpose flour – this helps create a nice crust when searing
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of spice
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the fish
60g unsalted butter – the base of our luscious sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic!
60ml chicken broth – adds depth to the sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – for that essential bright, tangy flavor
Zest of 1 lemon – adds an extra punch of lemon aroma and taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for a fresh, herbaceous finish
Lemon slices for garnish – makes it look extra fancy!

How to Make Pan Seared Lemon Butter Fish

Making this Pan Seared Lemon Butter Fish is truly a breeze, and the result is so impressive! I always start by making sure my fish fillets are properly dry; this is key for getting that beautiful golden crust.

Step 1: First, thoroughly pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. In a shallow dish, whisk together the 60g all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each fish fillet in this flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then gently shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully place the floured fish fillets into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and for the fish to be cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the 60g unsalted butter. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 1 minute until you can smell their fragrant aroma – be careful not to burn them! Pour in the 60ml chicken broth and the 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which add so much flavor. Let this sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and the 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color. Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet. Spoon the luscious lemon butter sauce over the top of each fillet, ensuring they are well-coated. This is where the magic really happens for your Pan Seared Lemon Butter Fish!
Step 5: Gently transfer the fish fillets to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a little extra chopped parsley for that restaurant-ready presentation. Serve your delicious Pan Seared Lemon Butter Fish immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Fish

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dish. These simple tips will help ensure your Lemon Butter Fish turns out perfectly every time, just like it does for me.

Always use fresh fish if possible; it makes a noticeable difference in texture and taste.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the fish. Cook in batches if necessary to get a good crust.
Taste your sauce before adding the fish back. Adjust lemon juice or salt as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
Ensure your butter doesn’t brown too much when adding garlic; you want it fragrant, not burnt.

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Butter Fish?

The secret lies in balancing the richness of the butter with the brightness of the lemon and the subtle heat from the garlic. Achieving the right Lemon Butter Fish Flavor Profile means not overcooking the fish and allowing the sauce to reduce slightly to coat it beautifully. For more on flavor balancing in cooking, you can explore resources on balancing flavors.

Can I make Lemon Butter Fish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead. You can mince the garlic and chop the parsley. However, I recommend cooking and saucing the fish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Butter Fish?

A common pitfall is overcooking the fish, which makes it dry. Also, ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the fish for a good sear. Lastly, don’t burn the garlic; it can make the entire sauce taste bitter. Learning about proper fish cooking temperatures can help prevent overcooking; check out fish cooking temperatures.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Butter Fish

This versatile Lemon Butter Fish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce. I also love pairing it with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a complete, healthy meal. If you’re a big fan of garlic, consider serving this alongside a dish that features Garlic Lemon Butter Fish flavors, perhaps some garlic butter shrimp scampi or roasted garlic potatoes, to really amplify the deliciousness! For more side dish ideas, explore these delicious options.

Nutrition Facts for Lemon Butter Fish

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious Lemon Butter Fish:

Calories: 325
Fat: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
Protein: 28 g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Lemon Butter Fish: 10 Min Feast - Lemon Butter Fish - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Butter Fish

Even though this Lemon Butter Fish is best enjoyed fresh, I know sometimes life gets busy, and you might have delicious leftovers! Proper storage is key to enjoying these wonderful flavors later. Once the fish has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently. Thaw frozen fish overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or carefully in the microwave, until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the fish tender!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Butter Fish

What makes this Lemon Butter Fish recipe healthy?

This Healthy Lemon Butter Fish recipe is great because it focuses on lean protein from the fish itself. The sauce uses butter and olive oil, but in moderation, and the fresh lemon and garlic add flavor without excess calories. It’s a balanced meal, especially when served with vegetables. For more on healthy eating, check out NHS Eat Well guidelines.

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white fish like cod or tilapia, you can easily adapt it for other varieties. Lemon Butter Salmon is a fantastic option, offering a richer flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You could also try it with Lemon Butter Haddock or even a firm white fish like halibut. Explore more fish recipes.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No worries if you’re out of fresh parsley! Dried parsley can be used, but you’ll need less – about 2 teaspoons instead of 2 tablespoons. You could also substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or dill, which pair wonderfully with fish and lemon.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

To achieve a creamier sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking, just before returning the fish to the pan. This will give you a richer, more decadent sauce for your Lemon Butter Fish.

Variations of Lemon Butter Fish You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting! Here are a few variations of Lemon Butter Fish that I’ve tried and enjoyed, offering different flavors and cooking methods.

Dietary Twist: For a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or rice flour when dredging the fish. It works beautifully! Learn more about gluten-free cooking.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic for a subtle kick, or stir in a tablespoon of capers for a briny, salty element.
Cooking Method Swap: If you prefer not to pan-sear, this recipe adapts wonderfully to baking. Arrange your fish fillets on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the top.
Different Fish Favorites: Don’t limit yourself to white fish! Try this sauce with rich Lemon Butter Salmon for a heartier meal, or with delicate Lemon Butter Haddock for a lighter yet equally delicious experience.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia