Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta Recipe
Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta is a zesty, buttery dish that pairs crispy golden fish fillets with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich lemon butter sauce. This meal is light yet indulgent, with bright citrus flavors balanced by a velvety texture that’s sure to satisfy.
This dish offers a symphony of flavors: crispy, flaky fish with a tangy lemon butter sauce, al dente pasta, and a hint of fresh herbs for garnish. Every bite feels like a restaurant-quality experience you can enjoy at home.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms everyday fish and pasta into an elevated dining experience. The combination of textures and flavors is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Zester or microplane
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or snapper)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
4. Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the pasta and top with the fried fish fillets.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
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Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Zester or microplane
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets tilapia, cod, or snapper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream optional for creaminess
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the pasta and top with the fried fish fillets.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Choose a firm white fish that holds its shape during frying.
- For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta combines the vibrant flavors of lemon, buttery richness, and tender fish with a comforting pasta base. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Bring elegance to your dinner table with this Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta. Its fresh, flavorful profile will make it an instant favorite. Try it tonight for a delightful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
