Description
Succulent “Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet” promises a Mediterranean coastal dining experience with bright, fresh flavors. Delicate fish meets tangy citrus and rich butter, creating a simple yet elegant meal perfect for seafood enthusiasts seeking quick, delightful dinner inspiration.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Primary Seasonings:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Lemon Butter Sauce Components:
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously clean the fish fillets with paper towels, ensuring complete dryness. Massage olive oil across both surfaces of the fillets, creating a light protective coating.
- Develop a robust seasoning profile by evenly distributing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper across the entire fish surface.
- Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the fillets.
- Carefully place seasoned fish into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side until the fish achieves a delicate, flaky texture.
- Remove the perfectly cooked fillets and temporarily transfer to a holding plate.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium, maintaining the remaining flavor-rich remnants from cooking.
- Introduce butter and additional olive oil into the skillet, allowing them to merge and create a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring gently to release its aromatic essence. Cook briefly until the garlic becomes fragrant and translucent.
- Elevate the sauce by adding fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with complementary salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop depth.
- Artfully arrange the cooked fish fillets on a serving platter.
- Cascade the warm, zesty lemon butter sauce over the fillets, ensuring complete coverage.
- Embellish the dish with additional fresh parsley and delicate lemon slices, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Notes
- Pat fish completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.
- Use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil for high-heat cooking to prevent burning and maintain a clean taste profile.
- Select fresh, high-quality white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia that can easily absorb the zesty lemon butter sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular butter with clarified butter or ghee and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Create a low-carb option by serving the fish over cauliflower rice or roasted zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Enhance omega-3 content by choosing wild-caught fish varieties which typically have higher nutritional profiles.
- Check fish doneness by gently flaking with a fork – the fish should be opaque and easily separate into tender segments.
- Elevate presentation by using a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a beautiful golden sear on the fillets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg