Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Fish
A healthy and flavorful baked fish recipe with a golden, buttery crust, infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
✔ Healthy & Light – Low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free.
✔ Versatile – Works with any white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – Simple pantry staples bring out natural flavors.
Best Fish for Baking
This recipe works well with any mild white fish, including:
🐟 Cod – Firm, flaky, and mild.
🐟 Tilapia – Soft and tender.
🐟 Haddock – Slightly sweet and delicate.
🐟 Halibut – Buttery and rich.
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
Let the fish cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
For longer storage, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Garlic Butter Asparagus
🍽 Lemon Herb Rice
🍽 Crispy Roasted Potatoes
🍽 Caesar Salad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Fish
1. Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen fish, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before seasoning. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures even cooking.
2. How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
3. What is the best type of fish to use?
This recipe works best with mild white fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, or grouper. You can also use salmon for a richer flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Absolutely! Substitute olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version. The result will still be flavorful and delicious.
5. What should I serve with baked fish?
This dish pairs well with:
🍽 Garlic Butter Asparagus
🍽 Lemon Herb Rice
🍽 Crispy Roasted Potatoes
🍽 Caesar Salad
6. Can I bake this fish in foil?
Yes! Wrapping the fish in foil or parchment paper helps lock in moisture, making it extra juicy. If baking in foil, extend the cook time by 2-3 minutes.
7. How can I add a crispy topping?
For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese with melted butter, then sprinkle over the fish before baking.
8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
9. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. If adding a crispy topping, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it GF-friendly.
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Fish
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for color and flavor
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
For the Topping (Optional but Delicious!):
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings stick better and ensures the fish bakes evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet.
- For extra texture, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the fillets.
- Place the fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Best Fish to Use: This recipe works well with white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen fish for the best texture and flavor.
- How to Prevent Dry Fish: Overbaking can make the fish dry. To keep it moist and flaky, bake until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Substituting Buttery Flavor: If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace butter with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for a lighter version.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and minced garlic add brightness, but you can also sprinkle a little Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Making It Crispy: For a crunchy topping, add panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking. This creates a delicious golden crust.
- Baking Alternative: If you want a slightly firmer texture, you can broil the fish for the last 2-3 minutes to get a lightly crisped top.
- Meal Prep Tip: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
This baked fish recipe is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a simple, nutritious meal, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. 😊
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
👉 Garlic Butter Shrimp
👉 Oven-Baked Salmon with Dill
👉 Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
