Baked Fish with Lemon Butter (Print Version)
Tender white fish fillets with a bright lemon butter sauce. Quick, elegant, and perfect for any occasion.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), 5.3 oz each
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
→ Garnish
09 - Lemon slices
10 - Extra chopped parsley
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
02 - Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, and dill until well combined.
04 - Pour lemon butter sauce evenly over the fish fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
05 - Top each fillet with a lemon slice for flavor and presentation.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce creates this incredible flavor that seeps into every fiber of the fish without overwhelming its natural taste.
- You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes, which has saved me countless times when unexpected guests arrive.
02 -
- Overcooking fish is the silent killer of seafood dishes, so start checking at the 15-minute mark even if your recipe says longer.
- Letting the fish come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking results in more even cooking and a better texture.
03 -
- If you find yourself with thicker fillets, score them lightly on the skin side to help the butter sauce penetrate and ensure even cooking.
- A splash of white wine in the baking dish creates a gentle steam that helps keep the fish moist while adding subtle complexity to the sauce.