Name: Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 Fish Fillets; 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning; ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Blackpepper; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 3 tablespoon Olive oil; ¼ cup Butter; 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice; ½ tablespoon Hot sauce; ½ teaspoon Fresh thyme, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon Fresh rosemary, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon Fresh parsley, finely chopped; ¼ cup Water or broth or White wine; Pinch of Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 80 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s effortlessly impressive and bursting with bold yet comforting flavors, then this Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, flaky fish fillets perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs, a hint of heat from hot sauce, and the bright zing of lemon. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying—a total winner whether it’s a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three raw fish steaks with light pinkish-white flesh and dark skin edges are placed in a row on a white plate at the center. Around the plate, there are small white bowls with various seasonings: pale yellow lemon juice in a shell-shaped bowl top left, creamy white butter cube top center, half black and pink spices labeled black pepper and salt top right, pale yellow garlic paste in a small bowl right center, orange-red Cajun powder below that, dark red hot sauce in a small bowl bottom left, light brown garlic powder above hot sauce, and mixed dry Italian seasoning above that. A white rimmed plate at the bottom right holds fresh green rosemary, thyme, and parsley sprigs. All items are laid on a surface with white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in creating that mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. From spices that bring warmth and depth to fresh herbs that add brightness, every component is here to elevate your fish to new heights.

Fish Fillets (3): Choose fresh, firm fillets like cod or tilapia for the best flaky texture.
Cajun Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, mildly spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the fish and seasoning.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle heat and earthiness.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that offer herby, aromatic notes to the dish.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Packs a savory garlic punch, even before the garlic butter sauce.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Perfect for searing, ensuring a crisp and golden crust on the fish.
Butter (¼ cup): The star of the sauce – velvety richness and a beautiful base for garlic flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, acidic lift that prevents the sauce from feeling heavy.
Hot Sauce (½ tablespoon): Brings just the right amount of heat and complexity.
Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley (½ teaspoon each, finely chopped): Infuse the sauce with fragrant earthiness and freshness.
Water, Broth, or White Wine (¼ cup): Helps deglaze the pan and build a silky sauce base.
Salt and Pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.

How to Make Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season the Fish

Start by patting your fish fillets dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial to getting a nice sear. In a bowl, mix all your dry seasonings except the olive oil: Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Generously sprinkle and gently pat this mixture onto both sides of each fillet, making sure every bite will be full of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Fish

Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned fish in the pan and sear each side for about 5 minutes, adjusting time depending on how thick your fillets are. You’re looking for a beautifully golden crust, and fish that flakes easily when you test it with a fork. Once cooked, set the fish aside and discard any burnt bits in the pan to keep your sauce smooth and bitter-free.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the lemon juice, hot sauce, fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, and your choice of liquid—water, broth, or white wine—along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes, allowing all those vibrant flavors to meld into a silky, aromatic sauce. Trust your taste buds here and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked fish to the pan and baste it with the garlic butter sauce for about 1 minute. This step not only keeps the fish juicy but also coats it with that irresistible glow of rich, herbal sauce. After a minute, your dish is ready to be plated and devoured!

How to Serve Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Three cooked fish pieces sit inside a silver frying pan on a white marbled surface. The top two fish are whole, oval-shaped, with a golden-brown crust and specks of green herbs on their skin, which shows a dark edge on one side. The bottom fish piece is partly broken apart by a fork, showing flaky white fish inside. A shiny, orange-brown oily sauce with herbs pools around the fish in the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon on the side adds a lovely pop of color and a little extra brightness to each bite. You can even add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This fish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans that soak up the buttery sauce perfectly. For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of couscous or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious, well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, consider serving the fish fillets individually on small plates with a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce and a sprig of herbs on top. Another great idea is placing the fish over saffron rice or creamy polenta to turn this recipe into a restaurant-quality meal that wows your guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the fish and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing their delightful flavors and texture.

Freezing

While fish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Note that the texture may soften slightly after freezing, so it is best for short-term storage.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the fish gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfectly flaky texture and silky sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure a delicious sear.

What types of fish work best for this recipe?

Firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper are ideal because they hold up well when seared and pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce.

Is the hot sauce necessary, or can I leave it out?

The hot sauce adds a subtle heat and depth, elevating the flavor profile, but it’s totally optional. You can skip it if you prefer a milder sauce or substitute with a dash of paprika or chili flakes.

Can I prepare this dish without fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs give the sauce its fresh, vibrant character, but if you don’t have them on hand, dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts. Just add them early to allow time for their flavors to develop.

How long does it take to make this Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20-25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick and flavorful meals.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and indulgent about this Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that keeps me coming back whenever I want a no-fuss, yet delicious meal. It’s simple enough for busy nights but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is to create such a rich, flavorful dish with just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love.

Easy Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need