Tender, flaky fish fillets coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, seasoned with herbs and finished with fresh parsley. This easy restaurant-style fish recipe is full of fresh flavor and takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
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4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 lemon, sliced for serving
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2 – Heat the Pan
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the fish.
Step 3 – Cook the Fish
Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4 – Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5 – Add Lemon and Herbs
Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Add chopped parsley and gently mix to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Step 6 – Coat and Serve
Spoon the warm lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked fish fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Serve immediately while warm with extra sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving (1 fillet with sauce; based on 4 servings).
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 105 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Helpful Tips
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Choose fresh fish: Cod, tilapia, and haddock work beautifully.
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Avoid overcooking: Fish is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Use fresh garlic: It gives the butter sauce a much richer flavor.
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Control the heat: Keep the butter sauce on low heat to prevent burning.
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Add extra lemon: A little fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Cod, tilapia, haddock, and halibut are excellent choices because they cook quickly and have a mild flavor.
Q2: Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes! Thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. You can replace butter with additional olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Q4: How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q5: What can I serve with lemon garlic butter fish?
It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, asparagus, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Q6: Can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
Q7: Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes! It contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it suitable for many low-carb meal plans.
Final Serving Suggestion
Serve these golden, buttery fish fillets on a white platter with fresh lemon slices, chopped parsley, and plenty of garlic butter sauce. Pair with your favorite vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.