Pan-Seared Lemon Butter White Fish (Restaurant-Style)

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Description

This dish features perfectly seared white fish fillets seasoned with warm spices, finished in a rich lemon-butter sauce. It’s quick, elegant, and packed with flavor while still being light and healthy. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Fish

  • 4–6 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, sole, or pollock)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp fish stock or chicken stock (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra parsley
  • Rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables

Instructions

Prepare the Fish

  • Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels (very important for a good sear).
  • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  • Season both sides of the fish evenly.

Pan-Sear the Fish

  • Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • When the butter starts to foam, carefully add the fish.
  • Cook 3–4 minutes per side without moving, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove fish from the pan

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add remaining butter to the same pan.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and stock.
  • Simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping up flavorful bits from the pan.

Finish the Dish

  • Return fish to the pan.
  • Spoon sauce over the fillets.
  • Cook 1–2 minutes until fish is flaky and cooked through.
  • Sprinkle with parsley.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fish

  • Use a non-stick or stainless-steel pan for best browning.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
  • Fish is done when it flakes easily and turns opaque.
  • If fish sticks, it’s not ready to flip yet.

Health Benefits

  • High protein, low calorie
  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Supports heart and brain health
  • Light, digestion-friendly meal
  • Naturally gluten-free

Serving Ideas

  • Serve over buttered rice or lemon herb quinoa
  • Pair with garlic green beans, asparagus, or broccoli
  • Add a side salad with olive oil & lemon dressing

Variations

  • Creamy version: Add 2 tbsp cream to the sauce
  • Mediterranean: Add capers and olives
  • Spicy: Add chili flakes or extra cayenne
  • Herb-forward: Add thyme or dill

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