Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce
Indulge in this quick and delicious recipe for Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a dinner party. The halibut is seared to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. Paired with a luscious lemon butter sauce that offers a bright and nutty flavor, this meal is both satisfying and elegant. Serve it up with your favorite sides for a complete, heart-healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Halibut fillets
24 ounces (Pat dry and season)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Salted butter
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Lemon
1 medium (Cut in half, juice for sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by patting the halibut fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely and achieve a golden crust. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Allow the fillets to rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
3
Carefully add the seasoned halibut fillets to the skillet in a single layer. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the fillets without moving them for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn opaque and the bottom is golden brown.
4
Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep warm.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the salted butter to the same skillet, scraping any flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Wait for the butter to melt, then continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
6
Squeeze the juice from both halves of the lemon into the pan, being careful to avoid seeds. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes while stirring often, allowing the sauce to reduce in volume by half—the sauce will remain slightly thin and luscious.
7
To serve, drizzle a portion of the lemon butter sauce onto each plate. Place the pan-seared halibut fillets on top of the sauce and spoon additional sauce over the fish. Enjoy this delightful dish hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 24 ounces of halibut fillets.
How long does it take to prepare Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut?
This meal is quick and convenient, ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
What is the secret to getting a golden crust on the halibut?
The secret is to pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing.
Which seasonings are used for the fish?
The fish is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
What type of oil is recommended for searing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing.
How long should I sear the first side of the halibut?
Sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes without moving them until the bottom is golden brown.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
What temperature should the skillet be for searing?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
What should I do after the fish finishes cooking?
Remove the fish from the skillet and cover it tightly with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
How do you make the Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce?
Melt salted butter in the skillet, brown it until nutty, add lemon juice, and simmer until reduced by half.
What flavor profile does the butter sauce have?
The sauce offers a bright, zesty lemon flavor combined with a rich, nutty browned butter aroma.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of salted butter for the sauce.
How long does it take to brown the butter?
It takes about 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat for the butter to turn golden brown.
How much lemon juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses the juice of one medium lemon, squeezed from both halves.
What is the purpose of scraping the bottom of the skillet?
Scraping the skillet releases the flavorful browned bits from the fish into the sauce for extra depth.
How much should the sauce be reduced?
The sauce should simmer for 3-4 minutes until the volume has reduced by half.
Is this halibut recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy meal focused on lean protein and quality fats.
Can I cook the fish in batches?
Yes, it is recommended to cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
How do I serve this dish?
Drizzle the sauce onto a plate, place the halibut on top, and spoon more sauce over the fish.
What is the texture of the finished halibut?
The halibut should have a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
Can I use this recipe for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is an elegant dish designed to impress guests.
What should I look for when buying the lemon?
You should use one medium-sized fresh lemon for the best zesty flavor.
Does the sauce become thick?
The sauce will remain slightly thin and luscious rather than becoming a thick gravy.
What heat setting is used for the sauce?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low when starting the butter and sauce.
How do I avoid seeds in my sauce?
Be careful when squeezing the lemon halves into the pan to avoid dropping seeds into the mixture.
What sides go well with this halibut?
It pairs well with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Is the halibut seasoned before or after cooking?
The halibut is seasoned before cooking and allowed to rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
How long should the second side of the fish cook?
The second side takes an additional 2-4 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet.