This Easy Lemon Butter Fish only takes 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients. It’s a delicious and nutritious weeknight meal the entire family will devour.
Ingredients: 04 firm white fish fillets, (about 6 inches long, 1-inch thickness throughout), 03 TB melted butter, 1 medium lemon Juice and zest, ½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 01 tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 03 TB olive oil, freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves, for garnish and flavor, extra lemon slices for serving
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry excess moisture from fish fillets. This step is crucial for fish to brown nicely in pan – otherwise, it will steam instead of brown. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more salt, if desired. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Evenly press spice mixture onto all sides of fish fillets.
- In a large, heavy pan over medium high heat, heat up the olive oil until hot. Once your oil is sizzling, Cook 2 fish fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding (allows for even browning). Cook each side just until fish becomes opaque, feels somewhat firm in the center, and is browned, about 2-3 minutes per side; lightly drizzle some of the lemon butter sauce as you cook, reserving the rest for serving. Take care not to over-cook, as that will result in a tougher texture. Season with extra salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve fish with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.
