Golden Brown Butter Lemon Sauce with Crispy Pan-Seared Fish

Name: Golden Brown Butter Lemon Sauce with Crispy Pan-Seared Fish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 60 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Salt and finely ground pepper, to taste; 2 thin white fish fillets, skinless boneless (120-150g each), e.g. bream; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp white flour; 2 tbsp oil (canola or other neutral); Lemon wedges; Finely chopped parsley, optional

A quick and elegant dish featuring nutty browned butter and bright lemon sauce drizzled over perfectly crispy pan-fried fish fillets.

Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings2

This recipe transforms simple fish fillets into a restaurant-quality meal in under 15 minutes. The secret lies in browning the butter until it turns golden and smells nutty, then whisking in fresh lemon juice for a sauce that is rich, tangy, and beautifully thick.

Pan-searing the fish with a light flour coating gives it a delicate, crispy crust while keeping the flesh tender and flaky. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Servings 2

Lemon Butter Sauce

¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and finely ground pepper, to taste

Crispy Pan Fried Fish

2 thin white fish fillets, skinless boneless (120-150g each), e.g. bream
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp white flour
2 tbsp oil (canola or other neutral)

For serving

Lemon wedges
Finely chopped parsley, optional

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan or small skillet over medium heat. Let it melt, then continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a small bowl.
Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to the browned butter. Stir, then taste once slightly cooled. Adjust lemon or salt as desired. Set aside; the sauce will stay pourable for 20–30 minutes.
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke. Add the fish and cook for 1½ minutes per side, until golden and crispy on the edges. For thicker fillets, cook a little longer.
Transfer the fish to serving plates. Drizzle each fillet with about 1 tablespoon of the lemon butter sauce, avoiding the dark specks at the bottom of the bowl. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

💡 Tips

Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the butter's color change.
Pat the fish very dry before flouring for the crispiest crust.
Serve immediately; the fish stays crispy only for a few minutes.

#Mediterranean #High protein #Easy #Quick (under 30 min)#Lemon

Inspired by a recipe from RecipeTin Eats

Golden Brown Butter Lemon Sauce with Crispy Pan-Seared Fish

Ingredients

Lemon Butter Sauce

Crispy Pan Fried Fish

For serving

Method

💡 Tips

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