The moment the sizzle of fish fills your kitchen, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. When I decided to whip up this Garlic Butter Fish, I never expected it to become a staple in my home. The blend of crispy, golden fish with a velvety garlic butter sauce is nothing short of revolutionary. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of coastal getaways while keeping your weeknight dinner excitement alive and well.
I remember the first time a friend introduced me to this dish—it was a lightbulb moment. The buttery richness mingled with the garlicky goodness transforms ordinary fish into a savory delight that even the pickiest eaters devour. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes, whether you’re in the mood for some heat with cayenne or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
So, if you find yourself stuck in a fast food rut or yearning for something a little more homemade, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this quick, easy, and utterly delicious Garlic Butter Fish recipe that’s sure to impress your loved ones!
Why is Garlic Butter Fish a game changer?
Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce envelops each bite with rich, mouthwatering flavor that elevates the fish.
Versatility: Use your favorite firm white fish, whether it’s halibut, cod, or pollock, to tailor the dish to your preference.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with this delightful meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight dinner.
If you’re curious about more quick dinners, check out this fantastic 20-minute meal compilation.
Garlic Butter Fish Ingredients
Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet flavorful dish!
For the Fish
• 12 oz. firm white fish fillet – Choose halibut, cod, or pollock for the best results.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
• Ground black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper – For those who enjoy a subtle kick!
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps achieve that perfect, crispy exterior.
For Cooking
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil – Opt for a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
• 1/2 stick salted butter (4 tablespoons, melted) – The creamy base that makes this garlic butter fish irresistible.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with a robust flavor.
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
For Serving
• Lemon wedges – A tangy squeeze just before you dig in elevates the flavors of the garlic butter fish!
How to Make Garlic Butter Fish
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Cut the Fish: Begin by slicing the firm white fish fillet into manageable pieces—not too thin—to ensure easy pan-frying. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Coat each piece with cornstarch, then set aside.
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Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until well mixed and set this garlicky goodness aside—it will bring the flavor to life!
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Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add the cooking oil. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough to fry.
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Pan-Fry the Fish: Carefully place the seasoned fish pieces in the skillet, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Let them fry until both sides turn crispy and golden brown—about 3–4 minutes per side should do the trick!
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Flip Gently: Use a wooden spatula or tongs to gently flip the fish over. Take care not to break the pieces; this is the moment they turn crispy and delightful!
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Toss in Sauce: Once the fish is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels briefly. Then, toss the fish with your delicious garlic butter sauce and serve immediately with lemon wedges for that extra zing.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley before serving for an appealing finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Fish?
Imagine a vibrant dinner table filled with textures and flavors that elevate the stars of your plate, creating a delightful dining experience.
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Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Their golden, crispy exterior paired with a fluffy interior offers a fantastic contrast to the tender fish.
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Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery delight that highlights the garlicky notes in the fish while providing the perfect vessel for sauce enjoyment.
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Steamed Asparagus: The earthy freshness of asparagus complements the richness of the garlic butter, adding a nutritious touch to your meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes with a light vinaigrette brighten the palate and balance the buttery flavors.
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Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with herbs rounds out the dish beautifully, providing a neutral base to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
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Chardonnay: This white wine, with its crisp acidity, enhances the savory taste of the fish while offering a refreshing sip between bites.
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Lemon Tart for Dessert: A tangy lemon tart adds a delightful end to your meal, echoing the citrus notes from the garlic butter sauce.
This thoughtful blend of pairings will transform your Garlic Butter Fish into a memorable feast!
Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Fish
Fridge: Store leftover garlic butter fish in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you need to keep it longer, freeze the cooked fish in a single layer for up to 2 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently pan-fry on medium heat for a few minutes, tossing in extra garlic butter sauce to bring back that mouthwatering flavor.
Room Temperature: For safety, do not leave garlic butter fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if you’ve added the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Fish Variations
Try these delightful twists to personalize your Garlic Butter Fish experience!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil to maintain a rich flavor while keeping it dairy-free. The hint of coconut adds a lovely nuance!
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. This variation brings an exciting heat that makes each bite a flavorful adventure.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh dill or basil with the garlic butter sauce. The aromatic herbs will elevate your dish, creating a delightful surprise for your senses.
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Citrusy Twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty flavor shift. This tropical twist offers a refreshing alternative that pairs beautifully with fish.
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Nutty Flavor: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the cooking oil for a nutty depth. The combination of sesame with garlic is an utterly irresistible flavor duo!
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Vegetable Medley: Serve your Garlic Butter Fish on a bed of sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. This adds both color and nutrition while making your meal even more hearty.
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Parmesan Crust: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the fish during the last minute of cooking. It creates a delightful crust that you won’t be able to resist!
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Asian Flair: Integrate soy sauce into the garlic butter sauce, or swap the parsley for green onions. This one-step variation transforms your dish for a delightful fusion experience!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Fish
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Choose Wisely: Select firm white fish like halibut or cod, ensuring it won’t break apart during cooking.
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Crispy Coating: Don’t skip the cornstarch! It creates a delightful crispy exterior that locks in moisture, preventing sogginess.
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Watch the Oil: Make sure your cooking oil is hot enough before adding fish; this prevents sticking and ensures that golden crust.
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Gentle Flipping: Use a wooden spatula or tongs to flip the fish delicately. Rushing can lead to breakage, ruining those perfect pieces.
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Sauce Timing: Toss the fish in the garlic butter sauce right before serving for maximum flavor and warmth, enhancing your garlic butter fish experience!
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Lemon Squeeze: Don’t forget the fresh lemon wedges! A quick squeeze brightens the entire dish and elevates the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Fish bites are perfect for busy home cooks who need to streamline meal prep! You can season and coat the fish with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time—just mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish, simply pan-fry the fish until crispy and golden, toss it with the chilled garlic butter sauce, and serve. This way, you’ll savor the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Fish with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Garlic Butter Fish Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best fish for Garlic Butter Fish?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for firm white fish fillets such as halibut, cod, or pollock. When selecting, check for bright, moist flesh and avoid any fish with dark spots or a strong smell.
How should I store leftover Garlic Butter Fish?
To maintain freshness, store leftover garlic butter fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Fish? How?
Yes, you can freeze garlic butter fish! After cooking, allow it to cool completely. Then, lay it flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the fish to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and label it. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and pan-fry with a little extra garlic butter sauce.
What if my Garlic Butter Fish is soggy?
Don’t worry! If your fish turns out soggy, it may have been cooked at too low of a temperature or had too much moisture. Next time, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying—look for shimmering heat! You can also add a light dusting of cornstarch to promote crispiness and prevent excess moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations for Garlic Butter Fish?
Yes! If you’re hosting family or friends with dietary restrictions, it’s essential to accommodate them. For those with dairy allergies, use a dairy-free butter alternative. Also, if you’re serving pets, be mindful that garlic is toxic to dogs and cats, so ensure to keep any leftovers out of their reach!
Savor Garlic Butter Fish with Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by slicing the firm white fish fillet into manageable pieces—not too thin—to ensure easy pan-frying. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Coat each piece with cornstarch, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add the cooking oil. Wait until the oil shimmers.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Let them fry until both sides turn crispy and golden brown—about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Use a wooden spatula or tongs to gently flip the fish over.
- Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skillet to drain on paper towels briefly. Toss the fish with your garlic butter sauce and serve immediately with lemon wedges.