Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This humble lemon butter fish recipe transforms simple white fish fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The delicate fish bakes to perfection in a luxurious lemon butter sauce that infuses every bite with bright flavor. I've made this countless times when I need an impressive yet effortless dinner that makes weeknights feel special.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season of life when I needed nutritious meals without complicated techniques. It quickly became my secret weapon for dinner parties where I want to mingle with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Salted butter: creates the rich sauce base that keeps the fish moist and adds incredible flavor
• Cod or flounder fillets: work perfectly with their mild flavor and firm texture
• Salt: enhances the natural sweetness of the fish
• Black pepper: adds subtle warmth and depth
• Fresh lemon: provides brightness that cuts through the richness
• Seafood seasoning: brings complexity without overwhelming the delicate fish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking surface:

Preheat your oven to a moderate 400°F. Take a rimmed sheet pan and dot the entire bottom surface with small pieces of the butter. The rimmed edges are crucial here to contain the magical butter sauce that will develop.

Season and place fish:

Season your fish fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay the seasoned fillets directly on top of the butter pieces in the sheet pan. This initial placement allows the butter to melt underneath the fish creating a protective layer that prevents sticking while infusing flavor.

Initial bake:

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for exactly 10 minutes. This first cooking phase melts the butter completely and starts cooking the fish gently from the bottom up.

Baste and flavor:

Remove the pan carefully from the oven. Using a spoon take the beautifully melted butter from around the fish and generously baste the top of each fillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over all fish pieces then sprinkle with seafood seasoning for aromatic depth. The hot fish will immediately absorb these new flavors.

Complete the cooking:

Return the pan to the oven for the final 10 minutes of baking. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still maintains moisture. The edges will become slightly golden and the butter sauce will be bubbling gently.

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is the moment when fresh lemon juice hits the hot buttery fish creating that immediate sizzle and releasing the most intoxicating aroma. My daughter now recognizes this sound from the kitchen and immediately appears asking if dinner is fish night.

Choosing the Perfect Fish

While the recipe calls for cod or flounder you can successfully use almost any white fish fillet. Tilapia works beautifully for budget conscious meals while halibut offers a more premium experience with its firmer texture and sweeter flavor. The most important factor is thickness. Adjust cooking time accordingly thinner fillets may need just 8 minutes per side while thicker cuts might require 12 minutes each phase.

Serving Suggestions

This butter fish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables that can benefit from a spoonful of the lemon butter sauce. Asparagus roasted broccoli or green beans complement the delicate fish perfectly. For a more substantial meal add roasted baby potatoes or a scoop of fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the precious sauce. A crisp white wine particularly a Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay completes the experience.

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Make It Your Own

The beauty of this basic recipe lies in its adaptability. Try adding minced garlic and fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the butter before baking. A sprinkle of capers adds briny pops of flavor that complement the lemon perfectly. For a touch of warmth consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. The recipe welcomes creativity while maintaining its essential simplicity.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fish works best for this dish?

Firm-fleshed white fish such as cod, flounder, haddock, or salmon work well as they hold their shape during baking without falling apart.

→ How can I keep the fish moist while baking?

Basting the fish with melted butter during the baking process ensures it stays moist and flavorful.

→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Adjust the salt seasoning to match your taste preference.

→ What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme are excellent options. Combine them with olive oil and lemon juice for a flavorful topping.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and bake it just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.