This simple and elegant recipe delivers flaky, tender fish fillets coated in a bright and flavorful lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or similar)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Cook the fish: Add the fish fillets to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the lemon butter sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve: Transfer the fish fillets to plates. Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.