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Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Luxurious and Flavorful Dish
Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce is a classic dish that pairs the subtle flavors of perfectly grilled fish with the richness of a buttery lemon sauce. This combination of flavors is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a favorite for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply when you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this elegant dish, along with tips and variations to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients:
- For the Grilled Fish:
- 4 fish fillets (such as salmon, halibut, or cod)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Drizzle the fish fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets.
- Allow the fish to marinate for 10-15 minutes while the grill heats up.
- Grill the Fish:
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Place the fish fillets on the grill, skin-side down if applicable. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Remove the fish from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using, add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the grilled fish fillets.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- Choice of Fish: This recipe works well with a variety of fish, including salmon, halibut, cod, or sea bass. Choose a firm, flaky fish that can hold up to grilling.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme to the lemon butter sauce for an added layer of flavor.
- Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp: This lemon butter sauce also pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or scallops for a seafood medley.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute part of the lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different citrus flavor profile.
- Wine Reduction: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and reduce it before adding the lemon juice for a more complex flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce is a timeless dish that combines the simplicity of grilled fish with the richness of a creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or simply to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home!
Feel free to try this recipe and savor the luxurious flavors of Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce. Happy cooking!
