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Simple Lemon Garlic Fish

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

This amazing mahi mahi dish brings perfectly seared fish topped with a lemon garlic butter sauce. Quick to make, simple ingredients, and perfect for a special meal or a fast dinner at home.

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Clare Recipes
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:27:05 GMT
Two golden-brown fish fillets paired with slices of lemon and parsley in a buttery sauce. Pin it
Two golden-brown fish fillets paired with slices of lemon and parsley in a buttery sauce. | lilicooks.com

My family now begs for this mahi mahi dish every week. The fish comes out so tender and flaky, while the zesty garlic and lemon combo is just incredible. It's my go-to when I need something impressive but quick - perfect for those crazy nights when I want good food without spending forever cooking.

What Makes Mahi Mahi My Top Pick

I'm blown away by how adaptable mahi mahi is with its gentle taste that even my picky eaters devour. I make a point to buy sustainably caught options from nearby shops, which lets me serve it guilt-free. When you add this buttery citrus garlic mixture, your everyday fish suddenly feels like fancy dining at home.

Ingredients You'll Want Handy

  • 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 oz each, dry them thoroughly)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (go lighter if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (plain pepper does the job too)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (to sear the fillets)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the tasty sauce)
  • 4 garlic cloves (chopped super tiny)
  • 1 fresh lemon (we need both juice and thin slices)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (cut into tiny bits)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (for that special zing)
Two pieces of cooked salmon are garnished with herbs and served with lemon slices in a flavorful broth. Pin it
Two pieces of cooked salmon are garnished with herbs and served with lemon slices in a flavorful broth. | lilicooks.com

Cooking Steps Made Simple

Prepare Your Fillets
Grab some paper towels to dry the fish completely, then sprinkle both sides with salt and lemon pepper.
Organize Before Cooking
Cut your lemon into thin rounds and squeeze another for its juice. Get your garlic minced and parsley chopped. This setup makes everything run smoothly.
Sear Your Fish
Heat that olive oil in a pan until it shimmers. Cook the fillets until they're golden, roughly 4 minutes first side, 2-4 minutes on the flip side. They should hit 137°F inside.
Whip Up The Sauce
Using the same skillet, drop in your butter with the lemon juice, slices and garlic. Cook until you smell that amazing aroma. Toss parsley and capers into the mix.
Finish The Dish
Drizzle all that buttery goodness over your fish and get it to the table while it's still steaming.

Perfect Pairings For Your Plate

This fish tastes amazing with creamy mashed potatoes that drink up all that sauce. Wild rice works great too, or some bright green asparagus spears. When I'm trying to impress, I'll swing by my neighborhood bakery for a crusty loaf to wipe the plate clean of that yummy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When’s mahi mahi fully done cooking?

Your mahi mahi is cooked when the inside hits 137°F. The color should look opaque, and the fish will flake apart with no trouble.

→ Can frozen fish be used for this?

Absolutely, just make sure you let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Dry it very well right before cooking to get a good sear.

→ What sides work best with this meal?

Options like rice, roasted veggies, or even steamed asparagus pair wonderfully. The butter sauce also adds a nice touch to your side dish.

→ Is it okay to prep this dish earlier?

Fish is best fresh right from cooking. But you can always get the ingredients prepped early so cooking is quick later.

→ Anything you can sub for capers?

If you don’t have capers, skip them or use chopped green olives. Some also like the tang of small pickled onions instead.

Lemon Garlic Butter Fish

Cook a flavorful mahi mahi dish with a rich butter and lemon garlic sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals, ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 mahi mahi fillets, about 4-6 oz each.
02 A pinch of salt.
03 Lemon pepper seasoning.
04 2 lemons (juice from one, slices from the other).
05 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
06 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
07 4 tablespoons of salted butter.
08 2 tablespoons capers (optional, well-drained).
09 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped finely.

Instructions

Step 01

Use a paper towel to blot the moisture from the fillets.

Step 02

Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with salt and lemon pepper.

Step 03

On medium-high heat, warm the olive oil in a big skillet.

Step 04

Lay the fish in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes till golden.

Step 05

Flip the fillets and cook another 2-4 mins, checking for 137°F inside.

Step 06

Take the cooked fish out and move to a plate.

Step 07

Melt butter in the same pan with the lemon juice and lemon slices.

Step 08

Toss in the garlic, cooking gently on low till it turns slightly golden (about a minute).

Step 09

Mix in the parsley and capers to the sauce.

Step 10

Pour the sauce over the fish while it's still warm and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Fish is done when it easily comes apart with a fork.
  2. Perfect option for low-carb meals.
  3. A high-protein choice.
  4. You can skip capers if you’re not a fan.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet.
  • Paper towels.
  • Food thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Butter (dairy).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 256
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 21 g