Here’s a full, detailed recipe with clear directions for Lemon Butter Fish Fillet. This is simple, flavorful, and great for beginners too 🍋🐟
Lemon Butter Fish Fillet (Serves 2–3)
🧾 Ingredients
For the fish:
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2–3 fish fillets (about 500 g total)
(Tilapia, cod, sole, basa, or haddock work well) -
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the lemon butter sauce:
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
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¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley or coriander, finely chopped
Optional garnish & serving:
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Lemon slices
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Extra parsley
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Steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes
👩🍳 Directions (Step by Step)
1️⃣ Prepare the Fish
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Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
(This helps them cook evenly and get a nice texture.) -
Sprinkle both sides with:
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Garlic powder
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Drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the fish.
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Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Cook the Fish
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Heat a large pan over medium heat.
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Add 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter.
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Once the butter melts and starts to lightly bubble, place the fish fillets in the pan.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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Do not move the fish too much.
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Flip gently using a spatula.
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When cooked, remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
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In the same pan (lower the heat to medium-low):
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Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant
(Do not let it turn brown.) -
Add:
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Chili flakes (if using)
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Lemon zest
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Lemon juice
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Stir gently and cook for 1 minute.
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Turn off heat and stir in chopped parsley.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve
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Return the cooked fish to the pan.
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Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
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Let it sit in the sauce for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
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Garnish with lemon slices and extra herbs.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot with:
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Steamed rice
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Roasted or steamed vegetables
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Fresh salad
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✅ Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overcook the fish — it should flake easily with a fork.
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If the sauce tastes too sour, add a small pinch of sugar or more butter.
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For extra richness, add 1–2 tablespoons cream to the sauce (optional).