There are evenings when I want dinner to feel special but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. That’s exactly when this baked fish with lemon garlic butter recipe steps in. It’s quick, light, and full of flavor without needing a lot of fuss. I’ve made it countless times after a long day, and it never fails to bring that comforting aroma of lemon and garlic into the kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is how it turns simple white fish into something that feels restaurant-worthy. A few fresh ingredients and the oven do all the work — you just get to enjoy the results.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This recipe isn’t fancy, but it feels like it could be. The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon gives the mild white fish a bright, rich flavor that makes every bite melt in your mouth. I’ve used it with cod, tilapia, and grouper over the years, and each one worked beautifully.
White fish doesn’t need a lot of seasoning — it soaks up flavors like a sponge. The trick is to let the butter and lemon create a kind of cozy “blanket” over the fish, locking in the moisture so it stays tender and flaky. I’ve even made this on busy weeknights when I only had 30 minutes before dinner, and it still turned out just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Butter – I prefer using real butter because it adds a rich, smooth flavor. If you follow a different diet, olive oil works too.
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Garlic – I always go for big cloves. Three is just right for that punch of flavor without overwhelming the fish.
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Lemon – One large lemon sliced thin gives you both freshness and a bit of tang.
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White Fish – Cod, tilapia, haddock, or rockfish — they all work. If using frozen fish, thaw it completely.
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Salt and Pepper – A light sprinkle is enough since the lemon butter does the heavy lifting.
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Parsley – It adds a pop of color and brightness. I often keep some chopped in the fridge for quick use.
Best Fish Options for Baking
White fish works beautifully in the oven because of its mild flavor and soft texture. Over the years, I’ve tried this recipe with several kinds — cod for its firm flakes, tilapia for its easy availability, and sole when I want something light.
Good choices include:
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Cod
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Lingcod
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Tilapia
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Haddock
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Grouper
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Rockfish
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Sole
If I find a good deal at the market, I buy extra fillets and keep them in the freezer for nights when I want something quick but satisfying.
Seasoning Ideas to Change Things Up
Lemon and garlic are classics, but every now and then I like to give this recipe a twist. Depending on my mood, I might sprinkle in a bit of dill for freshness or smoked paprika for a touch of warmth. Here are a few great seasoning options you can try:
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Italian seasoning
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Dill
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Thyme
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Rosemary
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Basil
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Smoked paprika
A little goes a long way. Just a teaspoon of extra seasoning can give the dish a completely different personality.
How I Bake It Step by Step
This method has never let me down. It’s simple, easy to clean up after, and always yields tender fish:
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Lay out lemon slices in the baking dish.
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Season the fish with salt and pepper, then set it gently over the lemons.
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Melt the butter, stir in the garlic and a bit of lemon zest, then spoon or brush it over the fish.
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Bake in a 425°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
I usually start setting the table while it bakes, and by the time I’m done, dinner is ready.
How to Know the Fish is Cooked Perfectly
White fish cooks quickly, which makes this recipe great for busy nights. It’s ready when it turns fully opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you want to be exact, the internal temperature should be around 140°F, but I often just go by how it looks and feels.
The key is not to overcook it. A few minutes too long can dry it out, so I like to peek at it around the 9-minute mark if the fillets are thin.
No Flipping Needed
This is one of the reasons I love this recipe. White fish is delicate, so flipping it mid-bake would only break it apart. Once it’s in the oven, you don’t have to touch it — just let the heat and the lemon butter work their magic.
Serving Suggestions
I often serve this baked fish with fluffy basmati rice because the lemon butter sauce soaks into the rice so beautifully. On warmer days, I pair it with a light green salad.
Some of my favorite sides to serve with this dish are:
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Roasted or steamed broccoli
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Mashed potatoes with cream cheese for a cozy feel
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Crispy roasted baby potatoes
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A spring salad with a simple vinaigrette
It’s a dish that easily fits into both a weekday dinner and a small get-together with friends.
Make Ahead Tips
If I’m planning a quick dinner, I prep everything earlier in the day. I lay out the lemon slices, season the fish, and keep the melted butter-garlic mixture ready in a small bowl. When it’s almost dinnertime, all I need to do is assemble and bake.
You can even keep the seasoned fish covered in the fridge for a few hours — just add the butter and bake it when you’re ready. It makes busy evenings so much easier.
Storage
Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the fridge. I like to store them in a sealed container to keep the lemon aroma fresh.
For reheating, I gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat so it doesn’t dry out. It’s also wonderful served cold over a salad for lunch the next day. A squeeze of fresh lemon on top brings it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this without butter?
Absolutely. Olive oil works well and gives a slightly different but delicious flavor.
How do I keep the fish from sticking to the dish?
Laying the lemon slices under the fish creates a natural barrier, so sticking isn’t usually an issue.
Can I bake the fish with other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work great and cook in the same amount of time.
Baked Lemon Fish with Garlic Butter
This Baked Lemon Fish with Garlic Butter is one of those quick, easy dinners that feels a little special without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon
- 1½ lb white fish fillets (such as cod, snapper, haddock, or grouper)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Zest the lemon and stir the zest into the butter mixture.
- Slice the lemon thinly and arrange the slices in a single layer in the bottom of a baking dish. If there are extra slices, set them aside to place on top of the fish.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper, then lay the fillets on top of the lemon slices. Spoon or brush the lemon-garlic butter over the fish, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- “White fish” is a broad term — feel free to use any mild-flavored, firm white fish you enjoy. Great options include cod, haddock, snapper, sole, lingcod, rockfish, or grouper.
- For extra brightness, squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 298Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 190mgSodium 549mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 41g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This baked fish with lemon garlic butter has become one of those recipes I reach for without even thinking. It’s simple, fresh, and has a way of making dinner feel special without the extra effort. Over the years, I’ve made it for weeknight dinners, quick solo meals, and even impromptu get-togethers.
There’s something very comforting about a dish that doesn’t ask for much but always delivers big flavor. If you’re new to cooking fish at home, this is a wonderful place to start. And if you already love fish, this recipe will quietly work its way into your regular rotation.
