If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy dinner that’s both fast and foolproof, this lemon sauce for fish recipe is a must-try. It pairs flaky white fish with a buttery garlic-lemon sauce that’s fresh, bright, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or light dinners, this dish uses everyday pantry ingredients to create a restaurant-quality seafood experience without the fuss. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just trying to eat cleaner, this is a simple yet elegant solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights
Low carb & high protein — ideal for healthy eating plans
Elegant flavor with simple ingredients
Versatile — works with cod, tilapia, halibut, and more
Budget-friendly with high-end results

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Fish:

4 Fish Fillets (Cod, Halibut, Tilapia) – Mild, flaky white fish that absorbs the lemony sauce beautifully.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasoning for enhancing natural fish flavor.
1 tbsp Olive Oil – Helps sear the fish to a golden crust.
Lemon Slices (for garnish) – Adds visual appeal and a hint of extra citrus.

For the Lemon Sauce:

2 tbsp Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and balances acidity.
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced – Provides aromatic flavor as the sauce base.
1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice – Gives the sauce its bright, tangy backbone.
1 tsp Lemon Zest – Intensifies the citrus aroma and taste.
1/4 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Adds savory depth without overpowering the lemon.
1 tsp Dijon Mustard – Offers a mild tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Salt and Pepper, to Taste – Balances all flavors.
1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped – Lends color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the fish. White fish cooks quickly — remove it as soon as it’s opaque and flakes easily.
Use fresh lemon. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the sauce at the end.

Variations and Customizations

Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter or olive oil only.
Low-Sodium Diet: Choose no-salt-added broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Herb Swaps: Try fresh dill, thyme, or basil instead of parsley.

Pairing Suggestions

This lemon butter fish pairs beautifully with:

Steamed rice or quinoa
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted asparagus or zucchini

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked fish and sauce separately for up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture.