The Perfect Pan-Fried Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Fresh, flaky fish meets its perfect match in this irresistible pan-fried fish with lemon butter sauce that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges and tender center create a delightful contrast in every bite.

The golden, perfectly seared exterior gives way to succulent white fish underneath.

Bright, zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Each forkful promises a delectable blend of simple yet elegant ingredients.

Seafood enthusiasts and home cooks alike will fall in love with this quick and impressive dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality experience right from your own kitchen.

Why Pan-Fried Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce Stands Out

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up a gourmet-style fish dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Enjoy a balanced combination of tangy lemon, briny capers, and rich butter that elevates the mild fish to a restaurant-worthy meal anyone can prepare at home.
• Restaurant-Quality Technique: Master the art of pan-frying with a golden-brown crust and create a professional-style pan sauce that turns an ordinary fish fillet into an impressive dinner that will wow family and friends.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Transform affordable fish fillets into a sophisticated dish using basic pantry ingredients, making it an economical option for those craving a luxurious meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Fish

• Fish Fillets: Fresh and flaky white fish perfect for pan-frying.
• Flour: Light coating for crispy exterior.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich, golden base for cooking and creating sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing fish flavor.
• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Bright and savory sauce components.
• Capers: Tangy little flavor boosters.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Slices: Colorful and zesty finishing touches.

How to Pan-Fry Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Grab fresh fish fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over both sides of the fish.

Step 2: Coat the Fish

Spread all-purpose flour on a flat plate.

Gently coat each fish fillet in flour, making sure to shake off any excess coating to ensure a light, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Pan

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Butter
• Olive oil

Wait until the butter melts and starts to sizzle slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Fish

Carefully place the flour-coated fish fillets into the hot pan.

Let them sear until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 4 minutes per side.

The fish should be crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Step 5: Remove Fish and Create Sauce

Take out the cooked fish and set aside on a clean plate.

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice

Scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan while the liquid simmers.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Add capers and remaining butter to the simmering liquid.

Stir until the butter melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Reunite Fish with Sauce

Return the fish fillets to the skillet.

Gently spoon the warm sauce over the fish, allowing it to heat through for about one minute.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the fish to serving plates.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add a few lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Tips for a Crisp and Flavorful Pan-Fried Fish

• Select high-quality, firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for the best texture and flavor.
• Use a light, even flour dredge to create a crispy golden-brown exterior without making the fish heavy.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear without burning the fish or making it greasy.
• Add capers and lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go to create a bright, tangy sauce that complements the fish.
• Cook fish for exactly 4 minutes per side to ensure it remains moist and flaky without becoming dry or overcooked.

Reheating and Storing Lemon Butter Fish

• Store leftover fish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Gently warm fish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Skip microwave reheating to maintain the fish's delicate texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Enjoy reheated fish immediately after warming to preserve its best flavor and quality.

What Pairs Nicely with Lemon Butter Fish

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate fish and bright lemon butter sauce, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Serve Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Create golden, crispy potato wedges seasoned with rosemary and thyme that provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender pan-fried fish and absorb the flavorful sauce.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to echo the lemony notes of the dish while adding a peppery, fresh element to balance the buttery fish.
• Recommend Crusty Bread: Offer a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, ensuring no flavorful droplet goes to waste and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.

Different Takes on Lemon Butter Fish Dishes

• Gluten-Free Fish Delight: Replace flour with almond meal or cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy coating and rich flavor.
• Herb-Crusted Seafood Variation: Swap plain flour dredging with a mix of breadcrumbs, dried herbs like thyme and parsley to add extra aromatic layers to the fish.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Option: Skip flour entirely and use crushed pork rinds or ground macadamia nuts as a zero-carb coating that delivers excellent crunch and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based friendly recipe that remains flavorful and satisfying.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are perfect. These mild, flaky fish fillets absorb the lemon butter sauce beautifully and cook quickly without falling apart.

• How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the flesh should look white and slightly firm, not translucent.

• Can I make this recipe without flour?

Yes, you can skip the flour dredging. Without flour, the fish will have a different texture and won’t brown as deeply, but it will still be delicious. Consider using a light dusting of cornstarch as an alternative coating.

• What can I do if I don't have capers?

If capers aren’t available, you can substitute with chopped green olives or a splash of pickle juice for a similar tangy flavor. The key is to maintain that briny, bright accent in the sauce.

Pan-Fried Fish With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pan-fried fish with lemon butter sauce brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables. Fresh fillets bathed in tangy citrus embrace create an elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or sole)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Garnish:

• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the fillets by seasoning each side with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then delicately coat with a light dusting of flour, gently tapping to remove excess.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature, combining butter and olive oil until the mixture is shimmering and fragrant.
3. Carefully place the floured fish into the hot pan, allowing it to sizzle and develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 4 minutes on each side, ensuring the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared fish to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
5. Deglaze the same skillet by pouring in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits clinging to the pan’s surface.
6. Introduce capers to the liquid, then whisk in the remaining butter until it melts completely and the sauce transforms into a slightly thickened, glossy consistency.
7. Gently return the fish to the skillet, tenderly spooning the aromatic sauce over the fillets and allowing them to warm through for an additional minute.
8. Present the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices, creating a visually appealing and zesty finish.

Notes

• Flour coating creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture to delicate fish fillets.
• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent fish from sticking and ensure even browning without tearing.
• Pat fish dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect crispy crust and prevents steaming.
• Substitute gluten-free flour or almond meal for a low-carb option that maintains the same satisfying crunch and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg