Description
Garlic Butter Grilled Fish combines fresh, flaky white fish grilled to perfection with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce, enhanced by lemon and fresh herbs. This easy and quick recipe delivers a healthy, flavorful meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions, adaptable to various fish types and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper), about 6 oz each
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Olive oil, about 2 tablespoons (for coating)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Gently melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat, then add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the fish from sticking and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Grill the Fish: Place the fish fillets carefully onto the grill. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side to develop a crust. Flip the fillets and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: During the last minute of grilling, generously brush the garlic butter sauce over the fish, letting it melt and soak into the layers. Remove the fish promptly from the grill to avoid overcooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the grilled fish to serving plates. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Freshness Counts: Always use the freshest fish for optimal taste and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Remove fish from heat as soon as it flakes easily to keep it moist.
- Minced Garlic: Finely mince garlic to evenly distribute flavor without overpowering chunks.
- Rest the Fish: Allow grilled fish to rest a couple of minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- Use a Thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg