Lemon Butter Fish Fillet features tender, flaky white fish baked in a luscious lemon butter sauce, seasoned lightly to enhance its bright, fresh flavors. This simple and elegant dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The rich butter sauce infused with lemon brings out the natural sweetness of the fish, while a gentle seasoning ensures a balanced and vibrant taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is an ideal choice for a healthy weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Herb Upgrade: Add fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary to the lemon butter for additional aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Citrus Blend: Combine lemon with a bit of orange or lime juice for a unique citrus profile.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase the garlic powder or use freshly minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fish before baking for a savory topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the fish in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the flaky texture of the fish.
FAQs
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
White fish like cod, tilapia, halibut, or haddock work best due to their mild flavor and tender texture.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Can I grill the fish instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill the fillets over medium heat, brushing them with the lemon butter sauce as they cook.
What sides pair well with Lemon Butter Fish Fillet?
Steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad complement this dish perfectly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
How do I enhance the lemon flavor even more?
Add a few extra lemon slices on top of the fish before baking to infuse more citrus flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this low-carb dish fits well into keto and low-carb diets.
How should leftovers be stored?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients and refrigerate for up to 2 days before use; reheat gently before pouring over the fish.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a quick, vibrant, and healthy recipe that showcases the delicate flavor of white fish complemented by a rich, buttery citrus sauce. It is a beautiful and effortless meal perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining with ease.
PrintLemon Butter Fish Fillet
This easy Lemon Butter Fish Fillet recipe features tender, flaky white fish baked in a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a fresh, light, and flavorful meal perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
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4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in a baking dish.
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Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices before serving.
Notes
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For best results, use fresh, high-quality fish fillets.
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Adjust lemon juice to taste if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.
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Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
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Leftovers can be gently reheated or served cold over salads.