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Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Fish

Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Fish
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A quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner featuring pan-seared firm white fish fillets cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce with fresh garlic and parsley. This recipe is simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and offers a balanced, light yet rich flavor, ideal for seafood lovers seeking an elegant yet approachable meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 4 firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia), about 6 ounces each
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
  2. Heat the Pan and Oil: Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and wait until it shimmers to ensure the pan is hot enough for searing.
  3. Sear the Fish: Place fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook without moving them for about 3 to 4 minutes until edges turn opaque and bottoms are golden brown.
  4. Flip and Add Garlic: Carefully turn the fillets over. Add minced garlic around the fish in the pan and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add Butter and Lemon: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest directly to the pan. Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish to infuse moisture and flavor.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with pan juices drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Use room temperature fish by letting fillets sit out for 10 minutes before cooking to promote even searing.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking and crisping.
  • Maintain medium-high heat but avoid overheating to prevent butter from burning.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality butter for best flavor.
  • Allow fish to rest for a minute after cooking to let juices redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan seared fish, lemon butter fish, quick healthy dinner, white fish recipe, easy seafood recipe, gluten free fish

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/pan-seared-lemon-butter-fish/