Panseared Halibut with Lemonherb Butter Sauce

Easy PanSeared Halibut with LemonHerb Butter Sauce
By Laura Tide

Recipe Introduction: Hello Halibut!

Fancy a fish dish that's both impressive and dead easy? Ever wondered how to cook halibut ? Well, you're in the right place! This pan-seared halibut recipe with lemon herb butter sauce is pure flavour magic.

It is super simple but tastes like a proper restaurant meal.

It's not your average Soul Food Fried Fish . This is a fancier but still approachable dish. Forget complicated techniques. This recipe is all about fresh flavours and perfectly cooked fish.

This dish is light and refreshing, perfect for impressing someone special or treating yourself after a long week.

Halibut: A Quick Overview

Halibut is a lean, white fish. It's known for its delicate flavour and firm, flaky texture. This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.

It makes 2 servings. This easy halibut dinner is ready in a flash.

Why You'll Love This Halibut

One of the best things about halibut is it's packed with protein. It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

I always feel good about serving this to my family. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's also fancy enough for a weekend dinner party.

The halibut with lemon herb sauce is just amazing.

Honestly, easy fried fish preparation doesn't get much better than this.

This is one of those recipes you'll make again and again. It's so versatile. You can easily adapt it to your taste.

What You'll Need

Let's get started with the ingredients for this wonderful Quick halibut recipe . You’ll need halibut fillets, of course. You'll also need some simple pantry staples.

Think olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice little kick.

Now, are you ready to learn how to cook halibut that's actually tasty?

Alright, let's talk about what you need. We're making pan-seared halibut with lemon herb butter sauce . Honestly, it's easier than putting on mascara! So, gather your bits and bobs.

Ingredients & Equipment

First, the stars of the show! Let's get them sorted.

Main Ingredients

  • Halibut fillets: 2 , about 6 ounces / 170g each. Fresh is key, innit? The flesh should be firm and look almost translucent. If it smells overly fishy, give it a miss.
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon / 15ml . Nothing fancy, just a good all-rounder.
  • Kosher salt: 1/4 teaspoon / 1.5g .
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon / 1.5g .

Now, for that delish sauce, think sunshine and summer days.

  • Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons / 57g . Good quality makes all the difference. Seriously.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Oh my gosh, I love garlic!
  • Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons / 30ml . Bottled is okay in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons / 30ml . Curly or flat leaf, your call.
  • Chopped fresh chives: 1 tablespoon / 15ml .
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon / 1.5g (optional). For a little kick, like a cheeky wink.
  • Salt and pepper: A pinch of each, to taste.

We're basically making an easy halibut dinner here.

Seasoning Notes

Lemon, herbs, and butter? A match made in heaven. This combination is a classic. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dash of Dijon mustard in the sauce.

Ooh la la! If you haven't any chives then spring onions (scallions) will do as well!. If you like soul food fried fish , then try frying this fish batter recipe .

Equipment Needed

Right, onto the tools. Don't worry, you don't need a kitchen the size of Wembley Stadium!

  • Large skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel is best. It needs to hold the heat.
  • Fish spatula: Or any wide, flexible spatula. You don't want to murder the fish.
  • Small saucepan: For the sauce. You can make it in the skillet, though. Pan-seared halibut recipe heaven!.
  • Meat thermometer: Optional, but recommended. Especially if you're new to how to cook halibut . Aim for 145° F ( 63° C) .

Honestly, that's it! This quick halibut recipe is all about simple ingredients and simple equipment. No need to stress. Now, let's get cooking!

How to Cook Halibut: Pan-Seared Perfection with Lemon Herb Butter

Alright, let's talk about how to cook halibut . Halibut is one of those fish that, when cooked right, tastes like a dream.

But, honestly, it can be a bit intimidating if you don't know where to start. I’m going to show you how to nail pan-seared halibut recipe , and trust me, you'll be hooked.

Forget soul food fried fish for tonight. We're going upscale, but easy.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, mise en place is your best friend. Basically, chop all your herbs parsley and chives. Mince your garlic.

Squeeze your lemon juice. Get all your ingredients ready. It makes cooking easy halibut dinner a breeze. Having everything measured and prepped shaves minutes off the cooking time.

Plus, it prevents that "Oh my gosh, I forgot the garlic!" moment. You know it happens.

Searing to Success: The step-by-step Lowdown

Here's the breakdown:

  1. Dry those fillets: Pat your 2 (6-ounce) halibut fillets completely dry. Season them with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

  2. Heat the pan: Get a large skillet (cast iron is awesome) screaming hot over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, let it shimmer, don’t smoke!

  3. Sear the halibut: Place your halibut fillets in the hot pan, presentation side down (skin side down if using skin-on fillets).

    Sear for about 3- 4 minutes , until golden brown and easily releases from the pan.

  4. Flip it! Gently flip the halibut with a fish spatula. Cook for another 3- 4 minutes , until it’s cooked through.

  5. Sauce time: While the fish cooks, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds, till fragrant.

  6. Finish the sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Serve: Spoon that glorious lemon herb butter sauce over your pan-seared halibut and serve immediately.

Pro-Level Tips for Halibut Heaven

Here are some nuggets of wisdom I've picked up over the years. Don't overcrowd your pan; cook the fish in batches if needed.

For halibut cooking times , trust a meat thermometer, especially if you're new to this. The internal temp should be 145° F ( 63° C) .

Overcooked halibut is a crime. And seriously, use good quality butter. It makes a HUGE difference in the sauce.

If you want halibut with lemon herb sauce to be extra special, let the halibut rest for a minute or two after cooking.

This is the quick halibut recipe secret. It helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender. You can serve with quinoa and asparagus.

Forget Southern fried catfish , tonight's a pan-seared halibut recipe kind of night.

Recipe Notes for Your Halibut Masterpiece

Alright, you've got the recipe for Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Herb Butter Sauce, right? Now, let's chat about some extra bits to make it your own, yeah? I love a recipe that's flexible, and this one is totally that.

Honestly, how to cook halibut is easy, but little tweaks make it special.

Serving It Up Right

Presentation is key, right? I like to arrange the pan-seared halibut recipe on a plate with some vibrant green asparagus.

Drizzle that glorious lemon herb butter sauce all over the fish and asparagus. A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! This feels like Soul Food Fried Fish if we served with a side of fried green tomatoes and a tangy coleslaw.

Need a side? Quinoa or rice works great, soaking up the yummy sauce. A simple green salad adds freshness too.

As for drinks? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to, but a chilled sparkling water with a lemon wedge is equally delightful.

Storing Those Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

So, you've got leftover Easy halibut dinner ? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 2 days.

For reheating instructions , gently warm it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. Don't overcook it, though, or it'll get dry!

Freezing isn’t ideal for cooked halibut because it can affect the texture, but if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.

Use it within a month. Reheat from frozen very gently.

Mix It Up a Bit

Want to change things up? Swap parsley and chives for fresh thyme and rosemary for a Halibut with lemon herb sauce with a more earthy flavour. A little dried oregano will add character.

Need a dairy-free version? Olive oil or a plant based butter works perfectly in the sauce. This easy fried fish preparation is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.

Feel free to sub in cod or sea bass as alternatives, but bear in mind the Halibut cooking times could vary a bit.

A Little Something About Nutrition

Okay, so here's the deal: each serving has roughly 350 calories, 40g of protein, 20g of fat, and 2g of carbs.

Halibut is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so it's good for your heart and brain.

I am saying it is like Southern Fried Catfish without the extra fat.

A Little Encouragement Before You Cook

Honestly, this recipe is so easy and makes a delicious dish you can achieve with just some Quick halibut recipe , and some ingredients for the best Fish Batter Recipe .

Don't be scared to experiment, yeah? Cooking should be fun! If you've got a good skillet, a bit of patience, and some good ingredients, you will nail this recipe in your attempt to how to cook halibut .

Now go on, get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to tell if my halibut is cooked through? I don't want it to be like rubber!

The key to perfectly cooked halibut is to avoid overcooking it. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can gently flake the fish with a fork; it should be opaque and separate easily.

How do you know how to cook halibut so it doesn't stick to the pan? It always happens to me!

Stickage is a common problem! The secret is to ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the fish. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat until it's shimmering but not smoking. Also, make sure the halibut is patted completely dry with paper towels before seasoning.

This helps create a nice sear and prevents the fish from steaming in its own moisture, which can cause sticking.

Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe, or is fresh always better?

Fresh halibut is always going to be the gold standard, a bit like a Sunday roast at your Mum's, but frozen halibut can absolutely work in a pinch! Just make sure it's completely thawed before cooking preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Pat it dry thoroughly after thawing to remove any excess moisture; that's really important for a good sear!

I'm not a big fan of lemon. What's a good substitute for the lemon herb butter sauce?

No problem, there are lots of other flavours that go well with halibut! You could try a simple brown butter sauce with capers and parsley very classic. Alternatively, a creamy dill sauce or a tomato based sauce with olives and oregano would also be delicious.

The beauty of cooking is that you can tailor the recipe to your own tastes!

How long does cooked halibut last in the fridge? Can I reheat it?

Cooked halibut is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating can be tricky as it tends to dry out, but you can gently reheat it in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) with a little bit of the sauce to help retain moisture.

Microwaving is generally not recommended, as it can make the fish rubbery.

Is halibut healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Halibut is a fantastic, healthy choice! It's a lean source of protein and packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. It's also a good source of selenium, magnesium, and potassium.

So, you can enjoy your delicious halibut dinner knowing you're doing your body a favour, too! It's like having your cake and eating it!

Panseared Halibut With Lemonherb Butter Sauce

Easy PanSeared Halibut with LemonHerb Butter Sauce Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:10 Mins
Cooking time:15 Mins
Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories350 calories
Fat20g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican

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