A light yet flavorful dish featuring tender fish fillets pan-seared to perfection. Finished with a silky lemon butter sauce that adds brightness and richness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals, ready in under 30 minutes.
Explanation
This recipe highlights the delicate flavor of fish with a simple but luxurious sauce. The fillets are lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, then topped with a buttery lemon sauce infused with garlic and parsley. The acidity of lemon balances the richness of butter, creating a refreshing yet indulgent dish. It pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Products for Using in Recipe
- Use fresh fish fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- High-quality butter ensures a rich, silky sauce.
- Fresh lemons add brightness and balance.
- Extra virgin olive oil helps achieve a golden crust.
Instructions
- Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, whisking to combine.
- Return fish to skillet, spooning sauce over fillets. Cook for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.