Easy baked fish with lemon butter is tender, flaky, and full of bright citrus flavor. It's a simple seafood dinner that comes together quickly for busy weeknights or a relaxed meal for two.
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Baked fish is one of the meals I turn to when I want something light and flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen. I've found that a simple lemon butter seasoning adds plenty of flavor without covering up the fish itself. I often serve it with green beans with garlic butter for an easy dinner that doesn't require a lot of ingredients.
One thing I've learned is to start checking the fish a little early since thinner fillets can go from tender and flaky to overcooked quickly. The lemon butter also helps keep the fish moist as it bakes, making this a dependable option even on busy weeknights. When I want another simple vegetable on the side, oven-baked asparagus pairs nicely with the fish and can be cooked in the oven at the same time.
Ingredients
The best thing about the recipe is that you only need a few simple ingredients to make it.
Here is what you will need to make the dish:
- Salted butter
- White fish fillets like cod or flounder
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon
- Seafood seasoning
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
You should begin by preheating the oven and rinsing off the fillet with cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel, then place on a cutting board. When possible, use fresh-caught fish instead of frozen. This will give more flavor and texture to your final dish.
Dot the butter over the bottom of a rimmed baking pan.
Season the fish with salt and black pepper.
Place the fish over the butter on the sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and baste the fish with the melted butter from the pan.
Season both sides of the fish with fresh lemon juice to create a lemon butter sauce.
Sprinkle on the seafood seasoning and bake for another 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Variations
Here are a few easy variations to change up this lemon butter fish recipe:
- Lemon-Pepper: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and black pepper to the melted butter before basting the fish.
- Garlic-Herb: Mix minced fresh garlic, fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or basil), and grated Parmesan cheese into the melted butter.
- Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the melted butter for a spicy kick.
- Mustard-Dill: Mix in some Dijon mustard and freshly chopped dill into the melted butter.
- Coconut-Curry: Mix in some coconut milk and curry powder into the melted butter for a tropical twist.
- Mexican-Style: Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the melted butter, then top the fish with a mixture of diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and red onions.
Tips
- Choose the right fish: Opt for firm-fleshed fish such as salmon, cod, haddock, or halibut, as they hold up well when baked and don't fall apart.
- Season the fish: Season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Baste the fish: Basting it with melted butter keeps it moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Rest: Once the fish is finished baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the fish to firm up.
- Add a garnish. Herbs are one of our favorite options for adding tasty toppings. Try combining fresh parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme with olive oil and lemon juice for a simple yet delicious option that adds bright flavor without overpowering the main entrée.
Serving suggestions
Serve the baked fish with some extra melted lemon butter sauce, lemon wedges, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. An excellent pairing is roasted vegetables. Choose an assortment of your favorite vegetables and season them with fresh herbs and garlic before roasting them in a hot oven.
If you prefer something lighter, serve your fish with a light salad. Try tossing together mixed lettuce leaves with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, feta cheese, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor combination.
Storage
Storing leftover fish with lemon butter is simple and easy. First, let the cooked fish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Then, place the fish in a shallow dish or container with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in the refrigerator and use it within two days for best results.
If you plan on storing your fish for longer than two days, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the cooled fish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the package with the date before freezing it so you know when it was stored. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
FAQ
Try combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano for a classic flavor combination. These seasonings will bring out the fish's natural sweetness while adding a hint of savory flavor.
For white-fleshed fish like cod or haddock, remove it from the oven when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Browned butter fish is a delicious and easy meal to make. To begin, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir the butter continuously until it begins to foam and turn golden brown. This will take about 4 to 5 minutes. Once the butter is browned, add the fish fillets to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the fish is cooked through.
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Recipe
Baked Fish with Lemon Butter
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 pound cod or flounder fillets
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Dash black pepper
- 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Dot the butter over the bottom of a rimmed sheet pan.
- Season the fish with salt and black pepper. Place the fish fillets over the butter on the sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and baste the fish with the melted butter from the pan. Season both sides of the fish with the juice from the lemon and the seafood seasoning. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.
Notes
Basting it with melted butter keeps it moist and flavorful as it bakes. Once the fish is finished baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the fish to firm up. Herbs are one of our favorite options for adding tasty toppings. Try combining fresh parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme with olive oil and lemon juice for a simple yet delicious option that adds bright flavor without overpowering the main entrée.
Brooke says
This was so simple to make. Fish usually makes me nervous and I am always afraid of not seasoning it enough. You gave me clear direction on just the right amount of seasoning and i added a bit of red pepper flakes per your suggestion for a bit of heat. Great recipe!
Addison says
This fish came out so flaky and moist! I loved the lemon butter sauce.
Shruthi says
Loved how easy this recipe was to make! My husband loved how buttery and flaky it was - said it was melt in your mouth good! Will definitely be making again.
Traci says
This came out perfect! I love a perfectly good tasting fish and this did not disappoint!! It was perfectly flaky and tasted so flavorful!
Jennifer says
Had this for dinner and it was terrific! The seasoning accented the fish perfectly without overwhelming it. so good!