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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.
Jana Rae

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Fish

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
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. For extra texture, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the fillets.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.