Savor our easy halibut recipe, with a moist, flaky fish and a zesty lemon-butter glaze. It is complemented by fresh herbs to elevate your seafood dinner. We love this dinner for busy weeknights or hosting friends and family on the weekends!
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This quick and easy halibut recipe is simple enough for anyone to make! It is surprisingly easy, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. The fish is flaky and buttery, while the sauce is robust and flavorful.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends with a delicious dish. Get ready to experience restaurant-quality seafood at home!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This halibut recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- It takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.
- The mild flavor of halibut allows it to take on the taste of your chosen seasonings and sauces.
- Halibut is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- This is a healthy meal for lunch, dinner, meal prep, and leftovers.
- Cooked properly, halibut has a beautiful flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- This recipe is made with only a few ingredients.
- It is suitable for many diets and lifestyles.
- Check out this Blackened Fish Salad for another delicious seafood recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this lemon butter halibut recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
First, use fresh or thawed halibut fillets. Do not cook straight from frozen.
For the seasonings, we love using garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. These complement the fish well without becoming overpowering.
Olive oil helps the fish cook. Use avocado oil if needed.
Unsalted butter adds the classic buttery flavor! We prefer using unsalted because fish naturally has a salty flavor.
A little lemon juice helps tenderize the halibut fillets.
Lastly, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Taste & Texture
This halibut recipe features light, flaky fish. It easily flakes with your fork.
The mild, yet subtly sweet flavor allows the chosen seasonings and sauces to truly shine.
In addition, the lemon butter sauce adds a tart and rich flavor.
How to Make
Step 1
First, pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt.
Step 2
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is shimmery, carefully add in the seasoned fillets. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Then, add in the butter and lemon juice.
Step 3
Carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky.
Step 4
Lastly, remove the halibut from the pan. Garnish with fresh herbs and some of the sauce from the pan.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best halibut recipe at home.
For the most flavorful results, use fresh halibut fillets whenever possible.
If frozen fillets are all that’s available, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels.
This ensures even browning and a crispy sear. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the fish before seasoning.
Do not overcook.
Halibut cooks quickly. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, which can make it dry and tough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This halibut recipe is a jumping-off point for endless flavor possibilities! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mediterranean: Marinate the halibut in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Asian-inspired: Try a marinade with coconut aminos, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Cajun: Spice things up with a rub of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add some herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can be added to the pan towards the end of cooking for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Serve & Store
This halibut recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
Roasted vegetables
Quinoa or brown rice
Mashed potatoes
French fries
A simple green salad
Leftover cooked halibut can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, cod or sea bass are good substitutes that have a similar flavor and texture.
Thaw frozen halibut in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it quickly under cold running water in a sealed bag.
Fresh halibut should be firm to the touch and have a mild, fresh smell. Avoid fish that is mushy, discolored, or has a strong fishy odor.
Halibut can be baked, pan seared, grilled, or air fried. This halibut recipe is made in a skillet.
Lemon, butter, and garlic go well with halibut.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This big nonstick pan is large enough for this healthy halibut recipe.
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