4 fillets of firm white fish (e.g., cod, halibut, snapper, mahi mahi)
Each fillet should be about 6 inches in length and 1 inch thick for even cooking.
Seasoning for Fish:
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Butter Sauce:
¼ cup butter (preferably real butter for better flavor; salted or unsalted is fine)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (avoid bottled lemon juice)
Zest of one lemon (optional but enhances flavor)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh lemon slices
Cooking Oil:
1½ tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing the fish)
Cooking Method
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Fish Fillets:
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Mix the seasoning ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper) in a small bowl.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet.
Pan-Sear the Fish:
Heat a large skillet on medium heat for about one minute.
Add olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up slightly.
Place the seasoned fish fillets into the skillet and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown on each side. The fish should not be fully cooked at this stage.
Remove the fish from the pan and set aside temporarily.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet used for cooking the fish.
Allow the butter to melt and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to brown slightly (this creates a nutty flavor).
Stir in fresh lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. If desired, add lemon zest for extra citrusy brightness.
Cook this mixture on low heat for another minute or two until smooth.
Finish Cooking the Fish in Sauce:
Return the partially cooked fish fillets back into the skillet with the sauce.
Spoon some of the sauce over each piece of fish while it continues cooking over medium-low heat.
Let it cook for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring that you spoon sauce over each fillet every 30 seconds to infuse flavor evenly.
Serve Immediately:
Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices.
Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as roasted potatoes, wild rice salad, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.
What Makes This Dish Special?
The combination of tender white fish with a rich yet tangy lemon butter sauce makes this dish restaurant-quality yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.
The use of browned butter adds depth of flavor while fresh parsley and lemon juice keep it light and refreshing.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering This Question
AllRecipes.com: A trusted platform offering thousands of user-tested recipes with detailed instructions and reviews from home cooks worldwide. It provides reliable guidance on classic dishes like Lemon Butter Fish Fillet.
Food Network: Renowned culinary resource featuring recipes from professional chefs as well as tips on technique and ingredient selection to ensure high-quality results in home cooking.
Serious Eats: A highly respected food website known for its science-based approach to cooking techniques and recipes that are rigorously tested by culinary experts before publication.
