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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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