🐟 Lemon Butter Fish Fillet (Mediterranean Style)
✨ Description
This Lemon Butter Fish Fillet is a light yet luxurious Mediterranean dish made with tender white fish gently pan-seared or baked in a silky lemon-butter-olive oil sauce. Fresh garlic, herbs, and citrus keep it bright and balanced—never heavy. It’s quick enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests, and ready in under 20 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
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1½ lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, sea bass, tilapia, or halibut)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Fish
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Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2️⃣ Cook the Fish (Stovetop Method)
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add fish and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.
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Transfer fish to a plate and keep warm.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
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In the same pan, lower heat and add butter.
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Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
4️⃣ Finish
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Return fish to the pan and spoon sauce over fillets.
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Simmer 1–2 minutes.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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With garlic sautéed spinach
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Alongside roasted vegetables or potatoes
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Over orzo or couscous
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With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
🧠 Q & A
Q: What’s the best fish for this recipe?
A: Firm white fish like cod, halibut, sea bass, or tilapia work best.
Q: Can I bake instead?
A: Yes!
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then spoon lemon butter sauce on top.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Very. Olive oil, fish protein, and lemon align perfectly with Mediterranean nutrition.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes—replace butter with extra olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Q: How do I avoid dry fish?
A: Don’t overcook. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Can I add capers or olives?
A: Absolutely! Capers or chopped olives add a classic Mediterranean briny note.
🫒 Mediterranean Tip
Finish with a drizzle of raw olive oil and a squeeze of lemon right before serving for restaurant-style flavor.
