Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes Recipe
If you’re searching for the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like it required hours in the kitchen—but really comes together effortlessly—look no further than Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes. This recipe is bursting with bright, fresh citrus flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tender fish, and the kind of buttery sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything on your plate. With just a handful of staple ingredients and a reliable skillet, you’ll have this impressive meal on the table faster than you can decide what to watch on Netflix. It’s a personal go-to for those whirlwind evenings, and I’m so excited to walk you through this modern classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes comes from just a few foundational ingredients you probably already have. Every single component brings its own something special—zest, color, or loads of flavor. Embrace the simplicity, because these are the things that will make your fish absolutely shine!
- Firm white fish fillets: Cod, halibut, or mahi mahi all work beautifully; their mild flavor and delicate texture soak up the lemony butter like a dream.
- Melted butter: The base of that luscious sauce—pick a good quality butter for extra richness.
- Lemon juice and zest: These two bring a double-hit of citrus: juice for tang, zest for fragrant aroma.
- Kosher salt: Use in layers for well-seasoned fillets inside and out.
- Paprika: Adds inviting color and subtle smoky sweetness to the crust.
- Garlic powder: For that classic savory depth you crave in cooked fish.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Cracked right before you cook, it gives a bit of kick and warmth.
- Olive oil: Ensures even browning and keeps your fish from sticking to the pan.
- Freshly chopped basil or parsley: For garnish and an extra spark of color and freshness.
- Extra lemon slices: Serve on the side for those who want even more zesty flavor.
How to Make Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes
Step 1: Pat the Fish Fillets Dry
Start by laying out your fish fillets and using paper towels to thoroughly pat them dry on all sides. This may seem like a tiny detail, but it’s the secret to getting that perfect golden crust instead of steaming the fish. Any excess moisture will interfere with browning—so don’t skip this!
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of kosher salt. Taste and adjust with another pinch of salt if you like. This simple mixture becomes your flavor-packed sauce, ready to work its magic in just minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Press the Spice Mix onto the Fish
In a separate bowl, combine the rest of your kosher salt with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Carefully press this vibrant spice blend all over the fish fillets—on both sides! This ensures each bite is thoroughly seasoned and packed with color and flavor.
Step 4: Sear the Fish Fillets
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Working in batches with two fillets at a time, add the seasoned fish and let it sizzle. Pan-searing in smaller batches prevents overcrowding and guarantees that beautiful brown crust on every piece.
Step 5: Cook and Finish with Lemon Butter
Cook the fish on each side until just opaque and slightly firm in the center—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. As it cooks, spoon a little of the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, letting it bubble and cling to the surface. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Take care not to overcook—fish continues to cook a bit after you remove it from the heat. Finish with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked fish to plates or a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining lemon butter sauce, generously sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges for those citrus lovers at the table. There you have it: Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes ready for your table!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, don’t be shy! A flurry of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds eye-catching green and a burst of flavor that balances the rich sauce. If you want to go a step further, lay thin rounds of fresh lemon right across the fish as a finishing touch. It’s simple, but it makes the meal feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish is so versatile you can dress it up or down with a variety of sides. A fluffy pile of rice, buttered orzo, or creamy mashed potatoes soaks up every drop of that lemon butter sauce. For a lighter spread, serve Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes alongside steamed green beans, garlicky spinach, or a crisp garden salad. You can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve each fillet atop a warm slice of grilled sourdough bread for an open-faced sandwich style dinner. Hosting a crowd? Arrange the fillets on a large platter, drizzle generously with sauce, and scatter herbs and lemon wheels on top for a restaurant-worthy centerpiece. With Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes, a little creativity goes a long way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills, but the flavors only deepen over time. For the best experience, try to enjoy leftovers within a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked fish, let it cool to room temperature first. Place the fillets in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap them well in foil before storing in a freezer bag. Label and freeze for up to one month. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and add it after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, let the fish thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm the fillets gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or extra lemon butter sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can make the fish rubbery—gentle heat keeps it tender and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but for the best results, let them thaw completely and pat them dry very well. Removing as much moisture as possible ensures you still get that wonderful pan-seared crust and prevents the fish from steaming instead of browning.
What other fish can I use for Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes?
Besides cod, halibut, and mahi mahi, other great options include tilapia, snapper, or even flounder. Choose fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking and keep an eye on the timing since thinner fish will cook even faster!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for a good quality vegan butter or even a drizzle of extra olive oil. You’ll still get a luscious, flavorful sauce with all the citrusy sparkle, making your Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes perfect for dairy-free eaters.
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
Your fish is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. There should be no translucent areas in the thickest part. It typically only takes 2-3 minutes per side, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking!
Is Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes suitable for meal prep?
It’s a great choice for busy weeknights! While it’s at its very best freshly cooked, you can prep the lemon butter sauce and spice blend ahead of time, making it even quicker to put together when dinner time rolls around.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes before, don’t wait another night—this recipe is quick, full of flavor, and practically foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it always impresses. Dive in and enjoy your new favorite weeknight staple!
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Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Lemon Butter Fish recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare white fish fillets. The zesty lemon butter sauce adds a bright and citrusy note to the delicate fish, making it a perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Fish Fillets:
- 4 firm white fish fillets (about 6 inches long, 1-inch thickness throughout, such as cod, halibut, or mahi mahi)
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided, plus extra to taste)
Spice Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Other:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves (for garnish and flavor)
- extra lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry excess moisture from fish fillets. Set aside.
- Combine Lemon Butter Sauce: In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Spice Mixture: In another bowl, combine remaining 1/4 tsp kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Coat fish fillets with this mixture.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook fish fillets until opaque and browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drizzle with lemon butter sauce while cooking.
- Serve: Garnish fish with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Ensure fish fillets are patted dry to promote browning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking and browning.
- Adjust salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Lemon Butter Fish, Easy Fish Recipe, Quick Seafood Dish, Lemon Fish Fillets
