This Fantastic Lemon Butter Fillet is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring tender fish fillets cooked in a rich lemon-butter sauce. With its tangy, buttery flavor and flaky texture, it’s perfect for a light weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this lemon butter fillet because it’s simple to make, ready in under 20 minutes, and full of bright, fresh flavor. The combination of lemon juice and butter perfectly complements the mild taste of the fish, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or sole)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and lemon juice, then pour the mixture evenly over the fish.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika for added color and flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes.
Total time: 20–25 minutes.

Variations

• Garlic twist: Add 1–2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter mixture for an aromatic touch.
• Caper addition: Stir in a teaspoon of capers for a briny, Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking for a gentle kick.
• Herbed butter: Mix in dill, thyme, or basil with the butter for an herbal boost.
• Pan-seared option: Instead of baking, cook the fillets in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the fish from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like tilapia, cod, haddock, or sole work best due to their mild flavor and tender texture.

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as no gluten-containing sides or thickeners are added.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

You can, but butter gives a richer flavor that complements the lemon better.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to the melted butter mixture before pouring it over the fish.

What can I serve with lemon butter fillet?

It pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter-lemon mixture in advance, but bake the fish just before serving for best results.

How do I know when the fish is done?

The fillets should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I grill the fish instead?

Yes, grill over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, basting with the lemon butter sauce.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A tablespoon of white wine can enhance the flavor and create a more complex sauce.

Conclusion

Fantastic Lemon Butter Fillet is a simple, flavorful, and elegant dish that showcases the delicate taste of fish with the richness of butter and the brightness of lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or dinner parties, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

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