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Golden, flaky baked fish fillet drizzled with lemon garlic butter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, served with roasted vegetables on a rustic ceramic plate in a cozy kitchen setting.

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Fish

Jana Rae
This easy baked fish recipe is packed with lemon, garlic, and butter for a light and flavorful dish. Ready in just 20 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

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.