Here’s a bright, buttery, restaurant-style Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet that works with tilapia, cod, haddock, halibut, or any mild white fish. It’s quick—ready in under 20 minutes—and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.

🐟🍋 Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet

Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• 2–3 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, halibut, or swai)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Lemon slices for serving

🐟 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Fish

• Pat fish fillets dry (key for browning).
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2️⃣ Sear the Fish

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the fish and cook:
   • 2–3 minutes per side for thin fillets (tilapia),
   • 3–4 minutes per side for thicker fillets (cod, halibut).
3. Remove fish once flaky and lightly golden; set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet:

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Simmer 30–60 seconds.

4️⃣ Combine & Serve

• Return fish to the pan and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top.
• Serve with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley.

🍋 Perfect Side Options

• Rice pilaf
• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Buttered noodles
• Lemon herb quinoa

Want variations?

I can give you:
🔥 Cajun lemon-butter fish
🌿 Herb-crusted baked lemon fish
🍋 Creamy lemon garlic fish
🧈 Brown-butter lemon fish

Just tell me!