Easy Lemon Butter Fish: A 15-Minute Delight

Introduction:

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will impress your family or guests? Look no further than this Easy Lemon Butter Fish recipe that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish features tender fish fillets bathed in a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Fish:

1. Season the Fish:

• Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

1. Heat the Olive Oil:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

1. Cook the Fish:

• Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and set aside.

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce:

4. Melt the Butter:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

4. Add Garlic:

• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Add Lemon Juice and Broth:

• Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

4. Add Capers:

• Stir in the capers and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finishing the Dish:

8. Return Fish to the Skillet:

• Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the fish.

8. Garnish:

• Sprinkle the fish with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Vegetables: Pair this lemon butter fish with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a complete meal.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the fish over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
• With Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the fish beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Fish:

• Choose Fresh Fish: Use the freshest fish fillets you can find for the best flavor and texture.
• Control the Heat: Be careful not to overcook the fish. It should be opaque and flake easily but still be moist and tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers to suit your taste preferences. Add more lemon for extra zing or more butter for a richer sauce.

Conclusion:

This Easy Lemon Butter Fish recipe is a fantastic option for anyone looking to prepare a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender fish and a zesty lemon butter sauce is simply irresistible. Try it out and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort!