Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful Catch

Seafood lovers rejoice as this delectable lemon butter fish recipe promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with every bite.

Delicate fish fillets dance in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers promises of ocean-fresh flavors.

The zesty lemon adds a bright, vibrant punch that cuts through the buttery richness with elegant precision.

Tender, flaky fish meets a golden, silky sauce that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Quick and simple, this dish delivers restaurant-quality elegance right to your dinner table.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and smooth, luxurious butter that will make your evening meal unforgettable.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering creation and let your senses embark on a delightful seafood journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 3

Golden Lemon Butter Fish Ingredient Guide

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth melting quality for coating fish.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity that cuts through fish's richness and enhances natural seafood flavor.
• Salt: Amplifies overall taste and helps season fish deeply.
• Ground Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and aromatic background notes.

• White Fish Fillets: Delicate, mild-flavored seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings beautifully; choose fresh, firm varieties like cod, tilapia, or halibut.
• White Flour: Creates golden, crispy exterior by forming light protective coating during pan-frying.
• Canola Oil: Neutral-tasting oil with high smoke point ideal for achieving even, gentle browning without overwhelming fish's delicate taste.

• Lemon Wedges: Provides extra citrus burst and decorative touch for serving.
• Finely Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous brightness and vibrant green color to enhance visual appeal of dish.

Kitchen Tools for Cooking Lemon Butter Fish

• Non-stick skillet: Essential for achieving a golden, crispy fish exterior without sticking.
• Tongs: Perfect for carefully flipping delicate fish fillets during cooking.
• Paper towels: Ideal for patting fish dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Used for precise salt and pepper seasoning.
• Shallow dish: Convenient for dredging fish in flour.
• Small saucepan: Helps create smooth lemon butter sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing lemon wedges and chopping parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing lemons and finely chopping fresh parsley.

How to Cook Golden Lemon Butter Fish at Home

• Surface Preparation

Gently blot the fish fillets to remove moisture, then sprinkle with a delicate layer of seasoning for a flavor boost.

• Crispy Coating

Dust the fish with a light veil of flour, letting excess fall away to create a delicate, golden exterior.

• Sizzling Transformation

Ignite a non-stick pan with high heat, allowing the surface to become a golden stage for your fish. Carefully place the fillets, letting them dance and crisp for roughly 90 seconds on each side, adjusting the rhythm for thicker pieces.

• Zesty Finale

Crown your perfectly cooked fish with a vibrant lemon butter cascade, sprinkling fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness. Nestle bright lemon wedges alongside to invite an extra splash of sunshine to each bite.

Tips to Elevate Lemon Butter Fish Flavor

• Use a light touch when coating fish in flour, ensuring a thin, even layer that creates a crispy, golden exterior without heavy breading.
• Preheat your pan until it's just before smoking to achieve that perfect sear that locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust on the fish.
• Experiment with herb variations by adding chopped dill, chives, or tarragon to the lemon butter sauce for a personalized flavor profile that complements different types of white fish.
• Transform any remaining fish into a quick salad or fish spread by flaking the cold fish and mixing with a bit of mayonnaise, chopped herbs, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Serve Golden Lemon Butter Fish with Style

• Zesty Seafood Plate: Pair the golden lemon butter fish with a light quinoa salad featuring diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a balanced and refreshing meal.
• Elegant Dinner Companion: Complement the fish with roasted asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with toasted almond slivers to add texture and nutty undertones.
• Citrus-Infused Side: Create a bright Mediterranean-style couscous with lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a hint of garlic to harmonize with the fish's delicate lemon butter sauce.
• Crisp Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the fish's delicate flavors and cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

Storage Tips for Leftover Lemon Butter Fish

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover fish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual fish fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm fish in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain its delicate texture and original moisture.
• Sauce Separation Trick: Keep lemon butter sauce separate from fish when storing, adding it fresh during reheating to prevent soggy texture and maintain the crispy golden exterior.

Creamy Lemon Butter Fish Recipe

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• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

This delectable lemon butter fish recipe offers a simple yet elegant seafood dish bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Delicate fish fillets bathed in a rich, tangy sauce promise a quick and satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 white fish fillets (120–150 grams/4–5 oz), skinless and boneless
• 2 tbsps white flour
• 2 tbsps oil (canola recommended)
• 4 tbsps (60 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Finely ground pepper
• Lemon wedges
• Finely chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blot fish fillets with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, guaranteeing a crisp, golden exterior. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Coating: Delicately dredge each fillet in all-purpose flour, gently tapping to remove excess, creating a light, uniform layer that will transform into a delectable golden crust during cooking.
3. Searing: Heat vegetable or olive oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat until the surface shimmers and appears slightly rippled, signaling the ideal cooking temperature for achieving a perfect golden-brown exterior.
4. Cooking: Carefully position floured fish fillets in the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for approximately 1½ minutes on the first side until a rich, golden crust develops, then gracefully flip using a flexible spatula and cook the reverse side for an additional 1½ minutes, adjusting time slightly for varying fillet thicknesses.
5. Finishing: Remove seared fish to serving plates. Craft a vibrant lemon butter sauce to drizzle overtop, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Accompany with lemon wedges, allowing diners to enhance the dish with an extra citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat fish fillets completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
• Flour Finesse: Use a light, even flour coating to create a delicate, crunchy texture without heavy breading.
• Heat Harmony: Watch for oil shimmering and slight rippling as the perfect indicator of optimal cooking temperature for searing fish.
• Timing is Key: Stick to 1½ minutes per side for most fish fillets, adjusting slightly based on thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg