This Lemon Butter Garlic Fish is my secret weapon when I’m in the mood for something quick, flavorful, and light!
It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort. Ready to make your taste buds happy? Let’s do this!
Lemon Garlic Butter Fish
A zesty and buttery dish, this Lemon Butter Garlic Fish is full of flavor and comes together quickly for a fresh, delicious dinner. 🍋 🐟
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon
- 1 ½ lb white fish fillets
- ½ teaspoon (each): sea salt and pepper
- Minced parsley (for garnish)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 297Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 322mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 41g
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of something? No worries! Swap butter for olive oil or coconut oil for a fun twist. If you’re garlic-less, garlic powder works (1/4 tsp per clove).
No lemons? Try lime or orange for a citrusy zing. White fish not available? Salmon or even shrimp will do the trick.
Parsley? Go wild with cilantro, dill, or basil instead. Cooking is all about improvising and making it yours!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot, ready to cook your fish to perfection.
A properly preheated oven is essential for achieving a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the fish tender and flaky on the inside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small frying pan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic to the pan.
Let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden. To elevate the flavor, zest your lemon and toss the zest into the butter mixture to infuse it with a fresh, citrusy punch.
3. Prep the Lemons: Take your zested lemon and slice it thinly, arranging the slices neatly in the bottom of a baking dish.
The lemon slices will act as a flavorful base that complements the fish. If you have any extra slices left over, don’t throw them away!
Set them aside to place on top of the fish for extra flavor and a lovely presentation.
4. Season the Fish: Take your fish fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
This helps the seasoning stick better. Sprinkle both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned fish on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish and brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture over the fish to coat it evenly.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes apart when tested with a fork.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets, but the fish should be perfectly tender and juicy when done.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the fish is baked to golden perfection, it’s time to garnish! If you saved any lemon slices earlier, place them on top of the fish for a burst of color and added citrus flavor.
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Lemon Garlic Butter Fish
Now that your fish is baked to perfection, let’s talk sides! A zesty, fresh side salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the buttery fish.
If you’re craving something hearty, try roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. Or, go for a light quinoa or rice pilaf with herbs to keep things fresh and flavorful.
These sides don’t just complement the fish; they make the whole meal sing!
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store them so they stay fresh.
First, let the fish cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.
It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days, but if you want to extend its shelf life, freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well and store it in a freezer-safe bag.
When reheating, do so gently in the oven to keep the fish tender, or enjoy it cold in a salad.
This simple baked fish recipe with garlic butter and lemon is the perfect quick and easy dish, full of fresh flavors that make dinnertime a breeze!
