Buttered fish is a delicious and simple dish that can be enjoyed by seafood lovers of all ages. This classic recipe involves pan-frying fresh fish fillets in butter until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is full of flavor and incredibly satisfying.

To begin, you will need to select the type of fish that you would like to use for this recipe. Popular options include cod, haddock, or tilapia, but feel free to choose your favorite variety. It is best to use fresh fish fillets, as they have a cleaner flavor and will cook more evenly.

Next, you will need to prepare the fish by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper to taste. This step is important as it helps to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. Once the fish is seasoned, you can set it aside and move on to the next step.

Now, it is time to cook the fish. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, carefully place the fish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Allow the fish to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and easily flake with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

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Once the fish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to serving plates. You can squeeze a little lemon juice over the fillets for an added burst of freshness, if desired. Serve the buttered fish hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad, and enjoy!

Pro tip: For a twist on this classic recipe, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to add extra flavor to the fish. Consider using fresh dill, garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. Get creative and make this dish your own!

Preparing the Fish

Before you start cooking buttered fish, it’s important to properly prepare the fish. Follow these steps to ensure the fish is clean and ready for cooking:

1. Clean the Fish

Rinse the fish under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a sharp knife to remove the scales by scraping from tail to head. Make sure to scale the fish thoroughly on both sides.

2. Gut the Fish

Carefully insert a sharp knife into the belly of the fish and slice open the belly. Remove the internal organs, including the guts, liver, and gills. Rinse the fish again to make sure all the internal contents are removed.

Now that the fish is properly prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step: marinating the fish in a delicious buttery sauce.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before you start cooking buttered fish, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fish fillets – You can use any type of fish fillets you prefer, such as tilapia, salmon, or cod.
  • Butter – Make sure you have enough butter to coat the fish fillets.
  • Lemon juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add a tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic – Finely minced garlic will give the buttered fish a delicious aroma.
  • Parsley – Chopped parsley will add color and freshness to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper – Add these seasonings to taste.
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Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step in cooking buttered fish.

Cleaning and Filleting the Fish

Before you start cooking your buttered fish, you need to first clean and fillet the fish properly. Follow these steps:

  1. Start by rinsing the fish thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision behind the gill plate and along the belly of the fish.
  3. Gently insert your fingers into the incision and run them along the belly to remove the innards of the fish.
  4. Rinse the inside of the fish cavity with cold water to ensure it is clean.
  5. Once the fish is cleaned, it’s time to fillet it. Begin by placing the fish on a cutting board with the belly facing up.
  6. Using a sharp fillet knife, make a cut just behind the fish’s gill plate and run the knife along the backbone of the fish towards the tail.
  7. Hold the tail of the fish firmly and continue to run the knife along the backbone, separating the fillet from the bones.
  8. Once you have filleted one side, repeat the process on the other side of the fish.
  9. After filleting, rinse the fish fillets under cold water to remove any remaining scales or bones.
  10. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the buttered fish recipe.

Now that your fish is cleaned and filleted, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking the delicious buttered fish.

Marinating the Fish

Before cooking the buttered fish, it is important to marinate it to infuse it with flavor. Follow these simple steps to marinate your fish:

1. Choose the Fish

Select a fresh and firm fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut. Make sure it is cleaned and scaled properly.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the following ingredients:

  • Garlic: Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic.
  • Ginger: Grate a thumb-sized piece of ginger.
  • Soy sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
  • Lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon.
  • Salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix the ingredients well to create the marinade.

3. Marinate the Fish

Place the fish in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the fish is coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.

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Tip: You can marinate the fish for a longer duration if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Once the fish is marinated, it is ready to be cooked using the buttered fish recipe.

Creating the Marinade

To create a delicious marinade for your buttered fish, you will need a few key ingredients. The marinade will help infuse the fish with flavor and keep it moist during the cooking process.

Here is a simple recipe for the marinade:

Ingredient Amount
Lemon Juice 1/4 cup
Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons
Minced Garlic 2 cloves
Black Pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil 2 tablespoons

First, combine the lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Next, place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring that each fillet is coated evenly. If you are using a dish, you can also spoon the marinade over the fish to ensure even coverage.

Cover the dish or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the fish and enhance its taste.

After the fish has marinated, it is ready to be cooked. The buttered fish recipe typically involves pan-frying the fish in butter until it is golden brown and cooked through. The marinade will help to keep the fish moist and flavorful as it cooks.

Now that you have created the marinade, you are ready to move on to the cooking process. Follow the recipe instructions to complete your delicious buttered fish dish!

Marinating the Fish

Marinating the fish is an essential step to infuse it with flavor and enhance its taste. Follow these steps to marinate the fish properly:

Choose the Fish

When selecting the fish for this recipe, choose fresh fish fillets that are firm and have a mild flavor. Some good options include cod, tilapia, haddock, or sea bass. Make sure the fish is cleaned and descaled before marinating.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well to ensure they are fully incorporated.

Pro tip: You can customize the marinade by adding other herbs or spices based on your preference and taste.

Marinate the Fish

Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible before placing it in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: To maximize the flavor, allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can also marinate it overnight for the best results.

Remember to turn the fish occasionally to ensure all sides are marinated evenly. This will help the flavors to penetrate the fish and make it more delicious when cooked.

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Cooking the Fish

Now that you have prepared the fish, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to make delicious buttered fish:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy outer layer on the fish while keeping the inside moist and tender.

2. Season the Fish

Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or oregano for extra flavor. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillets evenly.

3. Melt the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the desired amount of butter. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. Adding a little bit of olive oil to the butter can prevent it from burning.

4. Dip the Fillets

One by one, dip the seasoned fish fillets into the melted butter, coating both sides. Place the fillets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

5. Bake the Fish

Put the baking sheet with the fish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

6. Baste the Fish

While the fish is baking, you can baste it with the melted butter from time to time. This will help keep the fish moist and add more flavor. Simply brush the butter onto the fillets using a pastry brush or spoon.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the fish is done baking, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Buttered fish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your homemade buttered fish!

Q&A

What ingredients do I need to cook buttered fish?

You will need fish fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Can I use any type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or tilapia for buttered fish recipe.

How do I prepare the fish before cooking?

First, pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then season them with salt and black pepper.

Do I need to marinate the fish before cooking?

No, marinating is not required for this recipe. Simply seasoning the fish with salt and black pepper is sufficient.

How long does it take to cook buttered fish?

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish fillets. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork.

What ingredients do I need to cook buttered fish?

You will need the following ingredients to cook buttered fish: fish fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.