Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Fish: Choose fresh, firm white fish fillets like cod, halibut, or tilapia. These types of fish have a mild flavor and tender texture that work well with the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil creates a perfect balance of richness and smoothness for the sauce, while the butter adds a bit of indulgence.
- Garlic and Lemon: Fresh garlic and lemon zest provide a punch of flavor and a fresh, zesty aroma that pairs wonderfully with the fish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika adds color and a mild smoky flavor, which complements the garlic and lemon in the sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Fish
- Pat Dry the Fish Fillets: Start by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the fish sear nicely and ensures that the butter sauce sticks better to the fillets.
- Season the Fish: Season both sides of the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This enhances the flavor of the fish and adds a slight color to the fillets as they cook.
Cook the Fish
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together. This will create a tangy, rich sauce to complement the fish.
- Finish the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a more buttery sauce, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until it melts into the sauce.
Combine the Fish and Sauce
- Return the Fish to the Pan: Gently place the cooked fish fillets back into the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the fish cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the fish and garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 35g