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Lemon Butter Fish Recipe

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3.9 from 30 reviews

Lemon Butter Fish is a quick and delicious pan-fried fish recipe that features light, flaky fish fillets coated in flour and cooked to golden perfection. The fish is then drizzled with a fragrant lemon butter sauce made with fresh garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley, making it an elegant yet simple meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup cold salted butter, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the Fish

  • 1 1/4 pounds orange roughy, snapper, sole, or rock fish fillets
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 4 wedges lemon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the foam has subsided, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Set aside to keep warm.
  2. Season and Dredge the Fish: Season the fish fillets on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each fillet in the flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
  3. Cook the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the fish fillets in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for about 2 to 4 minutes or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed.
  4. Serve: Transfer the cooked fish to serving plates immediately. Drizzle generously with the warm lemon butter sauce prepared earlier. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for additional citrus flavor if desired. Serve hot for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use a fish with firm, white flesh such as orange roughy, snapper, sole, or rock fish for best results.
  • Be careful not to overcook the fish; it should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
  • The lemon butter sauce can be kept warm over very low heat but should not be boiled or it may separate.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-butter-fish-recipe/