Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds do a happy dance? Brace yourself, fish lovers, because we’re diving into the ultimate butter garlic fish recipe!

This isn’t just any fish dish; it’s a sizzling, zesty, and utterly delicious creation that will have you hooked from the first bite. With flavours of butter, lemon, fish and garlic taking centre stage, this recipe is set to reel you in. Let’s dive into the deep end!

Ingredients for Butter Garlic Fish

• 4 fillets of firm white fish like snapper, Cod fish like Grouper/Reef Cod /Hamour or tilapia from FreshToHome. Our fish are formalin & ammonia free and directly sourced from fisherfolk, guaranteeing you the freshest delicacy possible!
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Anchovy fillets for that extra umami punch

Instructions: Perfecting Butter & Garlic Fish

Step 1: Fish Prep – Hook, Line, and Sinker!

First, let’s get our fish prepped and ready. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, this is where you can sneak in a touch of anchovy fillets, finely chopped, for an anchovy garlic butter surprise that will take your taste buds to the next level.

Step 2: Butter Up!

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the fish fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set them aside on a warm plate.

Step 3: Garlic Galore

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As the butter begins to melt, toss in the minced garlic. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning. We want it to turn a beautiful, fragrant golden brown – not bitter and burnt!

Step 4: Zesty Lemon Love

Once the garlic is perfectly browned, add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet. The kitchen should now smell like a citrusy paradise! Stir well to combine. This is where the magic happens, transforming plain old garlic into a luscious, tangy sauce for our garlic lemon butter fish 

Step 5: Fish Reunion

Return the fish fillets to the skillet, spooning the garlic lemon butter sauce over them. Let the fish simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, absorbing all that garlicky, buttery goodness. This step is crucial for a perfect fish in garlic butter finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the fish to serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of colour and freshness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also add a few lemon slices on the side. Voilà! Your garlic lemon butter fish is ready to impress.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Garlic Fish:

• Rice to the Occasion: Serve your garlic fish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The rice or potatoes will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite heavenly.
• Veggie Delight: Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Bread Winner: Have some crusty bread on hand to mop up all that wonderful garlic lemon butter sauce. Trust us, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Fun Fish Facts:

• Anchovy Awesomeness: Anchovies (also known as natholi/Mandeli/Amodi) are packed with umami, the savoury fifth taste that adds depth and richness to dishes. Including them in this recipe amps up the flavour to a whole new level.
• Lemon Zest Best: The zest of a lemon contains essential oils that add a concentrated citrus flavour, making your dish bright and flavorful without extra acidity.

Chef’s Tips For Butter Garlic Fish

• Fresh is Best: Always use the freshest fish available for the best flavour and texture. Fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
• Don’t Overcook: Fish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked fish can become dry and tough, while perfectly cooked fish remains tender and juicy.
• Garlic Guru: Be careful with the garlic – it can turn from golden brown to burnt very quickly. Stir constantly and keep an eye on the heat.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – the ultimate garlic lemon fish recipe that’s sure to become a favourite in your household. This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavour that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this delightful, mouth-watering fish dish.

Submitted By:
Rekha Raghavan
FreshToHome Customer Since 2018
Bonafide Seafoodie