Description
Succulent Lemon Butter Fish Fillet dances with bright Mediterranean flavors, promising a quick gourmet experience. Fresh herbs and citrus notes elevate this simple seafood dish, inviting you to savor each delicate, perfectly seasoned bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, halibut, or white fish)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Meticulously dry fish fillets using paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed. Season both surfaces with salt and pepper, then delicately dust with flour, gently tapping to eliminate excess coating.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter becomes frothy. Carefully place seasoned fillets into hot pan, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown crust and fish is thoroughly cooked. Gently transfer fish to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt additional butter. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow mixture to simmer, reducing liquid volume by approximately one-third, which concentrates flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Reintroduce cooked fish fillets into the skillet, tenderly bathing them in the zesty sauce. Allow fish to warm through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring even sauce distribution.
- Transfer fish to serving plates, generously drizzling remaining lemon butter sauce over the top. Enhance presentation by sprinkling fresh parsley. Accompany with steamed vegetables, fragrant rice, or crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Pat fish extremely dry to ensure perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use neutral, high-heat oils like avocado or grapeseed for crispier exterior without burning.
- Choose white fish varieties like cod, halibut, or tilapia which absorb lemon butter sauce beautifully and maintain delicate texture.
- Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for crispy coating without gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg