Lemon Butter Sauce Fish Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Butter Sauce Fish recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender white fish fillets. With a bright lemony butter sauce and garlic aroma, it’s perfect for a light weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Add the fish to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Step 7: Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
8. Step 8: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use any firm white fish available; adjust cooking time depending on thickness.
• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked fish and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and a good sear.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or omit it entirely. The sauce will still be delicious with the lemon and garlic flavors.

Lemon Butter Sauce Fish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

This Lemon Butter Sauce Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets cooked to golden perfection and topped with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce infused with garlic and Dijon mustard. A quick and elegant stovetop dish that’s perfect for a light, flavorful meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure the pan is hot enough for searing the fish.
2. Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help create a nice crust while cooking.
3. Cook the fish: Place the fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, then remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
5. Add flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.
6. Combine fish and sauce: Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them, allowing the fillets to warm through and absorb the sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fillets for a fresh herbal note and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
• Choose firm white fish fillets that hold up well to pan searing, like cod or snapper.
• Don’t overcook the fish to keep it tender and moist.
• This sauce pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Keywords: lemon butter fish, pan fried fish, white fish fillets, lemon garlic sauce, quick fish recipe