Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared white fish fillets served with a zesty citrus and herb butter sauce that enhances the delicate flavors of the seafood. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 white fish fillets (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with the flesh easily flaking with a fork. Transfer the fish to a warm plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp fresh orange juice to the butter, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Spoon the citrus herb butter sauce over the fish fillets and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Fish with Citrus and Herb Butter Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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