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Garlic lemon butter fish fillets with parsley and lemon slices

Easy Garlic Lemon Butter Fish Fillets

Easy garlic lemon butter fish fillets cooked in a skillet with a bright, buttery sauce, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. A quick seafood dinner ready in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, haddock, pollock, or sole
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices or wedges optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the fish fillets to the skillet in a single layer.
  5. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
  7. Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
  8. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  9. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
  10. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the fish fillets.
  11. Serve warm with lemon slices or wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat the fish dry before cooking so it sears better. Cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Fish is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use medium heat so the garlic does not burn.