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Easy Lemon Butter Fish in 20 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 firm white fish fillets about 6 inches long, 1-inch thickness throughout (cod, halibut, or mahi mahi are great )
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus extra to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves for garnish and flavor
  • extra lemon slices for serving

Instructions

  • 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 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more kosher salt, if desired.
  • In a separate bowl, combine remaining 1/4 tsp kosher 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; this 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 kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • If desired, season with extra kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Serve fish with with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.