Garlic Butter Pan-Fried Fish Fillets are a flavourful and fuss-free seafood dish that’s ready in minutes. Perfectly seasoned, crisp on the outside, and flaky inside, these fillets make a fantastic lunch or dinner option. The garlic butter adds a luxurious richness, while lemon juice brightens each bite.
🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
For the Fish:
- 500g white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, basa, snapper, etc.)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional for colour and mild heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Garlic Butter:
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
🔪 How to Make Garlic Butter Pan-Fried Fish Fillets – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice on both sides.
- Let marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- In a non-stick or cast iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Fish
- Place the fillets in the pan skin-side down (if applicable).
- Cook undisturbed for 3–5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip carefully and cook another 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter
- Push the fish to one side or temporarily remove it.
- Add more butter to the pan along with the minced garlic.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (not burnt).
- Add lemon zest and parsley.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
- Spoon the garlic butter over the fish.
- Turn off the heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and serve hot.
🐠 Best Fish to Use
You want a mild, flaky white fish. The top choices include:
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Basa
- Snapper
- Haddock
- Sole
These fish hold their shape well when pan-fried and soak up the buttery garlic flavour beautifully.
💡 Cooking Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Fish
- Dry the fish: This ensures a crispy crust instead of steaming the fillets.
- Don’t overcook: Fish cooks quickly. Overcooking leads to dryness.
- Butter + oil combo: Butter for flavour, oil for higher smoke point.
- Non-stick pan: Avoids sticking and preserves the crust.
🌿 Is It Healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is:
- High in protein
- Low in carbs
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (depending on the fish)
- Keto-friendly
- Uses simple, whole-food ingredients
For a lighter version, reduce the butter or swap with heart-healthy olive oil.
Garlic Butter Pan-Fried Fish Fillets are the perfect choice for a simple, elegant, and wholesome meal. The garlic butter not only enhances the flavour but also elevates the entire dish into something special. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a plate of flaky, buttery, and crispy fish that rivals any restaurant’s seafood platter.
So grab your favourite fillets and skillet, and treat yourself and your family to a seafood dinner they’ll remember!
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