Best Tuna Pasta Bake – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!

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Lemon Butter Baked Fish – Buttery, Zesty, and Oven-Baked to Perfection!

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A healthy, quick weeknight meal with restaurant-quality flavor made in under 30 minutes.

Looking for a simple yet elegant dinner idea? This Lemon Butter Baked Fish is just what your busy weeknight needs. Tender, flaky fish fillets are drenched in a rich buttery sauce infused with lemon, Dijon mustard, garlic, and capers—then baked to perfection. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s light, fresh, and satisfying. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete, no-fuss meal that feels fancy without the effort. Ideal for pescatarian diets and packed with omega-3s, it’s a dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

Lemon butter baked fish is a timeless dish found across many Mediterranean and coastal cuisines—think French, Greek, and even Australian dinner tables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: the tang of lemon, richness of butter, and briny pop of capers come together in harmony. This dish is perfect when you want something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. I love using snapper or barramundi for their delicate texture and mild taste, but any white fish works beautifully. The buttery sauce keeps the fish incredibly moist, while the Dijon adds just a touch of sharpness that elevates everything. Best of all, it's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great fit for various dietary needs.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Fish Fillets  → Use white, flaky fish like snapper, barramundi, cod, or tilapia. These varieties absorb flavor well and stay moist when baked.
  • Butter  → Adds richness and creates a silky base for the sauce, helping keep the fish tender.
  • Dijon Mustard  → Brings a subtle tang and depth of flavor that cuts through the butter.
  • Lemon Juice + Zest  → Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness and complements the fish beautifully.
  • Capers  → Provide briny, salty bursts that balance out the buttery base and pair naturally with seafood.
  • Garlic  → Adds a savory kick that infuses the sauce with bold flavor.
  • Milk  → Softens the richness of the butter and helps form an emulsion for a smooth, pourable sauce.







Lemon Butter Baked Fish Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Cuisine Type: Western / Mediterranean-Inspired | Calories (Estimate): ~300–350 kcal per serving | Serving Size: 4 servings


📝 Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 4 white fish fillets (snapper, barramundi, cod, or similar) – 150g to 180g each (5.3–6.3 oz)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Prepare the fish: Pat dry the fish fillets with paper towels. Place them in a baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Make the sauce:
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, milk, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Microwave for 1 minute. Stir well, then microwave for another 40 seconds. Mix again to fully combine.
  4. Pour the sauce over the fish fillets in the baking dish.
  5. Top with flavor: Sprinkle the fish with capers and lemon zest.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Garnish & serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
  8. To serve: Plate with mashed potatoes or rice and spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the top.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

✔ Fish substitution: Don’t have snapper or barramundi? Try cod, haddock, basa, or even salmon.
✔ Dairy-free option: Use olive oil or vegan butter and plant-based milk like almond or soy.
✔ Add texture: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with parsley for a crispy finish.
✔ Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
✔ Time-saving tip: Prep the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate—just reheat and pour before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)

Q1: Can I make lemon butter baked fish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and season the fish ahead of time, but it’s best baked fresh just before serving for maximum tenderness.

Q2: What’s the best fish to use for baking with butter sauce?
A: White flaky fish like snapper, cod, or barramundi work best. They absorb flavor well and stay moist in the oven.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out.

Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad are all excellent pairings.

Q5: How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
A: The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should be around 63°C (145°F).

Wrap-Up

This Lemon Butter Baked Fish is your go-to recipe for when you want something flavorful, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a fuss-free weekend meal, it’s always a hit! Don’t forget to pour that dreamy lemon butter sauce all over your mashed potatoes or rice—you’ll thank me later.

💬 Have you tried lemon butter fish before? What kind of fish do you love baking the most?
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments!
And if you loved this, check out my Creamy Apricot Chicken Curry or Tomato Egg Stir-Fry for more flavorful weeknight winners.

Keywords (키워드)

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