Name: Skillet White Fish with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, sliced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges for serving

A quick and healthy dish featuring tender white fish fillets seared to perfection with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs for a light and flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Skillet White Fish recipe is a weeknight dinner dream come true. Ready in just 12 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that enhances the delicate taste of the fish without overpowering it. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy—low in calories and high in protein. Plus, the simple cooking method ensures you’ll get perfectly cooked fish with a nicely seared exterior and moist, flaky interior every time.

Skillet White Fish with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White fish fillets serve as the star of this dish. Cod, tilapia, or halibut all work beautifully, offering a mild flavor and tender texture that takes well to quick cooking. Choose fillets that are uniform in thickness for even cooking.

Olive oil helps to create a beautiful sear on the fish while adding a subtle fruity flavor that complements seafood perfectly. It also prevents the delicate fillets from sticking to the pan.

Garlic adds an aromatic foundation to this dish. When briefly sautéed in oil before adding the fish, it infuses the entire dish with its wonderful flavor.

Lemon brightens the entire dish with its fresh, citrusy notes. The slices cook alongside the fish, mellowing slightly while releasing their aromatic oils and juice.

Paprika contributes both color and a mild, sweet peppery flavor that works wonderfully with white fish without overpowering it.

Dried oregano brings a classic Mediterranean herb note to the dish. Its earthy, slightly bitter profile stands up well to the cooking process.

Salt and pepper are essential for properly seasoning the fish. They enhance the natural flavors and help to create a perfectly balanced dish.

Fresh parsley adds a final pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor. Its bright taste contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cooked fish.

Directions

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them.
Carefully flip the fillets and add the lemon slices to the skillet.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the fish and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 230 calories. The entire dish comes together in just 12 minutes—5 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes of cooking time—making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal on the table quickly.

Variations

Herb Butter Variation: Create a quick herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. Top each cooked fish fillet with a pat of this flavored butter for a luxurious finish.

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning mix for a fish dish with a bit of heat.

Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and capers during the last minute of cooking for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Asian-Inspired: Replace the oregano with ginger and add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil at the end of cooking. Garnish with sliced green onions instead of parsley.

Breadcrumb Topping: Lightly coat one side of the fish with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a little parmesan cheese before cooking for a crunchy texture contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that seafood has a shorter shelf life than other proteins.

Freezing: While you can freeze cooked white fish, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and use within 1 month.

Reheating: The best way to reheat fish without drying it out is to place it in a covered baking dish with a tablespoon of water or broth in a 275°F (135°C) oven until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water and a cover to create steam.

Repurposing: Leftover fish works wonderfully flaked into salads, pasta dishes, or fish tacos. This can often be a better option than reheating, which can sometimes dry out the fish.

FAQs

How do I know when the fish is done cooking?

White fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking as this can make the fish dry and rubbery.

What type of white fish works best for this recipe?

Cod, tilapia, and halibut work excellently, but you can also use sole, haddock, or snapper. Look for firm-fleshed fish that can hold up to searing in a skillet.

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing.

My fish stuck to the pan. What did I do wrong?

This usually happens when the pan isn’t hot enough before adding the fish or when the fish is too moist. Ensure your pan is properly heated, pat the fish very dry, and don’t move the fish until it’s ready to flip.

Can I make this recipe without garlic?

Absolutely. You can substitute shallots for a milder flavor or omit the garlic entirely and rely on the other seasonings and lemon for flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.

Can I use other herbs instead of oregano and parsley?

Certainly! Thyme, dill, or basil would all work well in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or what you prefer.

What side dishes pair well with this fish?

This skillet white fish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, steamed rice, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the flavorful pan juices.

How can I add more sauce to this dish?

After removing the fish, add a splash of white chicken broth to the pan and simmer for a minute to create a quick pan sauce. Finish with a pat of butter for richness if desired.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead?

Yes, you can bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Sauté the garlic in the oil first, then drizzle over the fish before baking.

Conclusion

This Skillet White Fish recipe proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs enhances the delicate flavor of the fish, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this versatile recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Its simplicity allows the quality of the fish to shine through, while the cooking technique ensures perfectly tender results every time.