🐟 Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Fish
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, or basa)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon (sliced into rounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Wash the fish fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Chili flakes
- Oregano or thyme
- Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Arrange for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place the seasoned fish fillets in the dish.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the fish.
- Place lemon slices on top of each fillet.
- Add a few fresh thyme sprigs (optional but recommended).
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Fish is done when:
- It flakes easily with a fork
- It turns opaque white
- Internal temperature reaches about 63°C (145°F)
(Do not overcook or it will become dry.)
Step 5: Optional Broil (For Golden Top)
- For a slightly golden surface like in the picture, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Spoon some of the buttery sauce from the dish over the fish.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
🌟 Extra Tips for Juicy Fish
- Do not overbake.
- Use fresh lemon juice (not bottled).
- Let fish rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- You can add a splash of white cream for a richer sauce.