Next time you crave a gourmet meal at home, this easy pan seared halibut recipe is the one for you. Cooking halibut at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients you will be enjoying this sweet white fish. Halibut, renowned for its mild flavor, takes center stage in this recipe. Pan-searing halibut is simple to do. Halibut is a lean fish that cooks quickly. You can add a fresh lemon juice or lemon zest over the top, and serve with a simple side vegetable.
Alaskan Halibut is a mild, sweet tasting white fish, with a delicate favor, and a favorite fish of ours. A bit thicker and firmer than cod or mahi mahi, halibut has a tender, flaky texture. Because it has a gentle background flavor, it takes on other flavors, making it a versatile fish to cook. Halibut, revered for its lean profile and quick cooking time, is a prized addition to any seafood lover’s kitchen.
Why you will love pan seared halibut:
- Lean and Healthy: Halibut is renowned for its lean flesh, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. With its low fat content and high protein profile, halibut provides a satisfying meal that supports muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. Additionally, its lean nature means that halibut is lower in calories compared to fattier fish varieties, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or adhere to a balanced diet.
- Quick and Convenient Cooking: One of the standout features of halibut is its quick cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, baking, or broiling, halibut cooks up in a matter of minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. Its firm texture holds up well to various cooking methods, ensuring that you can achieve perfectly cooked halibut with minimal effort.
- Avoiding Overcooking: While halibut cooks quickly, it’s essential to avoid overcooking to preserve its delicate texture and subtle flavor. Overcooked halibut can become dry and rubbery, detracting from its natural appeal. To ensure tender and moist halibut, it’s crucial to cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. Whether you’re using a grill, stovetop, or oven, keeping a close eye on the cooking time and using a food thermometer can help prevent overcooking and guarantee optimal results.
Halibut’s lean profile and quick cooking time make it a standout choice for health-conscious individuals and busy home cooks alike. By incorporating halibut into your meals, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious seafood option that cooks up quickly and effortlessly. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking to ensure that your halibut shines with its natural flavor and texture.
Halibut Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Halibut is packed with essential nutrients that promote overall health and well-being. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. Additionally, halibut is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation. Halibut also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium, contributing to a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Delicious Flavor and Versatility: Halibut boasts a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a firm, yet tender texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications. There are so many easy ways to grill, bake, pan-sear halibut. Its neutral taste pairs beautifully with lemon-butter sauces. From simple weeknight dinners to a special meal, halibut can be dressed up with a pop of color from a bright green vegatable.
- Health Benefits: Consuming halibut as part of a balanced diet offers several health benefits. As a lean source of protein, halibut helps support muscle health, aids in weight management, and promotes satiety, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. The omega-3 fatty acids found in halibut have been associated with reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and decreased inflammation. Additionally, the vitamin D content in halibut contributes to bone health, immune function, and overall vitality. Incorporating halibut into your meals can be a delicious way to support your health and well-being.
Ingredients for pan seared halibut
- 3 fresh halibut fillets (6 oz each) We use Sena Sea Halibut
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for finishing the halibut fillets after searing.
- Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures a golden sear and prevents steaming.
- Add a drizzle of canola oil to the halibut and coat on both sides. This will help the seasoning stick.
- Season both sides of the halibut fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside while you heat the pan.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use a nonstick skillet , a cast iron skillet, or a stainless steel skillet for this recipe.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the canola oil. Allow the oil to become hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned halibut fillets in the skillet, skin side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until a golden brown crust forms.
- Using spatula gently flip the halibut fillets and add the remaining butter to the skillet.
- Tilt the skillet slightly to get the butter to the bottom of the pan and use a spoon baste the halibut fillets with the melted butter. Basting helps to keep the fish moist and flavorful.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking the halibut for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the halibut rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender texture.
- Serve the cooked halibut hot. Place fish on a plate and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and herbs if desired.
This pan-seared halibut recipe offers a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it perfect for special occasions or a weeknight meal. With its tender texture and buttery flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of seafood recipes. Enjoy!
Side dishes to pair with halibut:
- Mango Avocado Salsa: A vibrant mango avocado salsa adds a burst of tropical flavor and freshness to complement halibut’s mild taste. In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then spoon the salsa over grilled or pan-seared halibut for a colorful and flavorful accompaniment.
- Garlicky cherry tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Serve halibut with a side of oven roasted cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of kosher salt and a drizzle of olive oill
- Grilled or Steamed Greens: Light and nutritious, grilled or steamed greens provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of halibut. Choose options like steamed broccoli, grilled zucchini, or sautéed green beans seasoned with garlic and lemon for a vibrant side dish that complements the fish beautifully.
- Herbed Quinoa or Rice: A bed of herbed quinoa or rice serves as a satisfying base for serving halibut. Cook quinoa or rice according to package instructions, then stir in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or cilantro for added flavor. The light and fluffy grains provide a wholesome accompaniment to the fish.
- Citrus Salad: A citrus salad adds a burst of freshness and acidity to complement halibut’s mild flavor. Combine segments of oranges, grapefruits, and/or tangerines with mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts or seeds. Drizzle with a citrus vinaigrette made with lemon or lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey for a refreshing side dish.
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy herb-roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with halibut. Toss halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Roast until golden brown and tender for a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to the fish.
- Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous makes a quick and versatile side dish for halibut. Prepare couscous according to package instructions, then toss with chopped vegetables such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a simple and flavorful accompaniment.
These side dishes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to complement halibut’s delicate taste and elevate your meal to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these options are sure to impress alongside perfectly cooked halibut.
Equipment
- large frying pan
Ingredients
- 3 halibut fillets 6 oz each, pat halibut fillet with paper towels or a tea towel
- 1 bablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and Pepper
- lemon wedges
- Herbs for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for finishing the halibut fillets after searing.
- Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures a golden sear and prevents steaming.3 halibut fillets
- Add a drizzle of canola oil to the halibut and coat on both sides. This will help the seasoning stick.1 bablespoon canola oil
- Season both sides of the halibut fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside while you heat the pan.Salt and Pepper
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use a nonstick skillet , a cast iron skillet, or a stainless steel skillet for this recipe.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the canola oil. Allow the oil to become hot.2 tablespoons canola oil
- Carefully place the seasoned halibut fillets in the skillet, skin side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until a golden brown crust forms.
- Using spatula, gently flip the halibut fillets and add the butter to the skillet.3 tablespoons butter
- Tilt the skillet slightly to get the butter to the bottom of the pan and use a spoon baste the halibut fillets with the melted butter. Basting helps to keep the fish moist and flavorful.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking the halibut for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the halibut rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender texture.
- Serve the cooked halibut hot. Place fish on a plate and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and herbs if desired.lemon wedges, Herbs
Nutrition
Other Seafood Recipes to Try
Dover Sole with White Wine Caper Sauce
Andrea says
This Halibut looks and sounds incredible. I’ve never had it butter basted and am looking forward to trying it.
Tayler says
We’ve been trying to eat more fish, and this halibut looks perfect! Can’t wait to make it for dinner tonight!
Paula says
This recipe was so easy to follow and the halibut tasted positively incredible! New family favorite.
Vicky says
Can I just say that aside from being completely delicious, this dish is just gorgeous? The mango salsa adds so much color to it. I was proud to present this to my family for dinner.
Bruce and Dina Miller says
Vicky,
You just MADE OUR DAY! Thank you! Happy Friday!
Dina and Bruce
suja md says
Excellent recipe, Thank you for sharing
Nathanaelle Yoshimura says
I’ve been looking for more fish recipes, we try to do one a week! This one is quick and simple!
Donalyn says
We’re having guests later on this week, and I think I just found the star of my menu. Thanks for a timely recipe and I can’t wait to see how everyone likes it 🙂
Andrea says
What a fabulous way to enjoy a good piece of Halibut. I am looking forward to trying this out.
Elaine & James The says
Such a great meal and love that it’s ready in only 20 minutes!
Bruce and Dina Miller says
Elaine and James,
Thank you! It was delicious!
Dina and Bruce
Adri says
The halibut turned out perfectly tender and flaky! And I served it with the avocado mango salsa you recommended, it’s the perfect combination! 😍
Kristine says
This halibut is so delicious! Light, flaky, and best of all easy. Loved it!
Traci says
This halibut is amazing! The butter makes the fish so juicy and flavorful. Super easy to make – adding this to my date night dinner list!