Baked Fish with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
A 20-minute dinner wonder—fresh, flaky, and full of zesty flavor!
If you’re in the mood for a quick and wholesome meal that’s light, buttery, and bursting with lemony goodness, this Baked White Fish with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is exactly what you need. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s a weeknight dinner hero—perfect for busy evenings or elegant, no-fuss entertaining.
Whether you’re using cod, halibut, grouper, or your favorite mild white fish, this recipe keeps things simple with pantry-friendly seasoning and a bright, buttery sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 kg white fish fillet (cod, halibut, grouper, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional for garnish
- Extra lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Season the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs.
Layer the lemon slices in the bottom of a baking dish, then place the seasoned fish fillets on top.
3. Add the Butter Sauce & Bake
Spoon or brush the garlic lemon butter all over the fish fillets, making sure they’re nicely coated.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Serve with extra lemon slices on the side for squeezing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Steamed rice or couscous
- Garlicky sautéed greens
- Crispy roasted potatoes
- Or a refreshing cucumber-dill salad
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yields: 4 servings
This baked fish recipe is a delicious reminder that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients for a five-star dinner. It’s flaky, buttery, garlicky, and kissed with citrus—the kind of dish that disappears fast and gets rave reviews every time.
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