Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce

This Easy Fish In Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe in under 30 minutes. The flaky, crispy pan-seared fish simmers in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, a treat for your taste buds.

We all have those days when we are completely drained and craving something comforting; this garlic butter fish, pan-seared red snapper, or baked tilapia is always the answer. You will be surprised to find that it requires very few pantry ingredients, which can be easily customized. Looking for a 4-ingredient recipe? Try this baked basa fillet.

If you like this same cooking method but love whole fish instead, go for this extra-juicy pan-seared whole fish. I make one of the best and easiest fish recipes or seafood you'll find on the internet today. Make sure to check it out.

Why Choose This Recipe?

Just 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy.

Few ingredients like pantry staples. Butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Light and satisfying, it is perfect for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Pairs with anything like rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or veggies,

Recipe Ingredients

1. White Fish: In this recipe, I used bone-in mackerel fish steaks. Feel free to use any white fish fillets, such as tilapia, cod, halibut, mahi mahi, or snapper. They are mild and flaky, soaking up the buttery lemon garlic sauce perfectly.
2. Butter: This is the base of the sauce.
3. Garlic cloves: The star of the show, fresh garlic, lends the sauce its flavor and aroma.
4. Fresh Lemon juice: It balances the richness of the butter, adding a zesty kick to the sauce.
5. Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder, enhance the flavor.
6. Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and fresh parsley enhance the herbaceous aroma and add a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
7. Hot Sauce: For a kick of heat.

See the recipe card below for detailed ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Use frozen fish fillets, but thaw and pat dry before cooking.
2. Stir in a tablespoon of cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
3. Lemon zest adds brightness without extra acidity.
4. Add herbs like dill, basil, or chives. For seasonings, smoked paprika and lemon pepper for extra depth.

How to make Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Combine all spices in a small bowl and season both sides of the fish.

2. Pan-sear the fish in a pan or skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish.

3. Remove the fish and set aside. Melt the butter, add the remaining ingredients for the butter sauce and simmer.

4. Bring the fish back to the sauce and baste it with the sauce. Then, serve.

Important Recipe Tips

1. Pat the fish dry to achieve a nice golden sear.
2. Let the skillet hot well before adding oil and fish. This will give the fish crispy edges and prevent sticking.
3. Do not overcook the fish; 2- 5 minutes is enough per side.
4. Always reduce the heat to low before making the garlic lemon butter sauce, as garlic burns easily and becomes bitter.
5. Let the fish rest in the sauce for at least 1 minute before serving.
6. Fresh herbs add color, freshness, and balance to the richness of the butter.
7. Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches to create a good sear.
8. Always deglaze the pan with water, wine, or broth to release the flavor that has stuck to the pan.
9. You can also bake the dish in the oven, then prepare the sauce and pour it over the dish before serving.

More Seafood Recipes to Try

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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