Description
This Lemon Butter Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then pan-seared to a golden perfection. Finished in a luscious lemon butter sauce infused with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish is both vibrant and comforting, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 lb white fish fillets (about four 4-oz fillets, such as halibut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Fresh lemon slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet, ensuring full coverage.
- Pan-Sear the Fish: Heat a skillet over medium heat for about a minute. Add olive oil to the heated skillet, then carefully place the fish fillets in the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes, or until the fillets are golden brown and lift easily from the pan. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown lightly. Stir in the lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes smooth and aromatic.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Add fresh lemon slices into the skillet with the sauce. Return the fish fillets to the pan and cook over medium-low heat for an additional 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish every 30 seconds to infuse the fillets with flavor. Once done, garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry is crucial to achieving a nice sear and preventing sticking.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet for best results.
- Feel free to substitute halibut with cod, tilapia, or other firm white fish.
- The lemon butter sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more lemon juice or herbs.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
