Crispy Panko-Crusted Halibut Cheeks
Indulge in the delicate and buttery flavors of halibut cheeks, a seafood delicacy that melts in your mouth. These tender morsels are lightly coated in a crispy panko and Parmesan mixture, highlighting their natural sweetness without overwhelming them with heavy spices. Perfectly cooked to a golden brown, these halibut cheeks are an exquisite addition to any meal. Served with a zesty homemade tartar sauce and a wedge of fresh lemon, they make for a delightful lunch or snack. Ideal for seafood lovers and easy enough for any home cook to master!
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
halibut cheeks
1/2 lb (rinsed and dried with paper towel)
panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain)
parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (grated)
lemon
1 (juiced, reserve wedges for serving)
salt
to taste (ground)
pepper
to taste (ground)
margarine or olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the halibut cheeks under cool water and patting them dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp finish.
2
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the crumbs.
3
Season the halibut cheeks on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cheeks, ensuring that they are well-coated.
5
Carefully dip each cheek into the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Flip and repeat for the other side, making sure each cheek is thoroughly coated.
6
In a large skillet, heat the margarine or olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the breaded halibut cheeks to the pan.
7
Fry the cheeks for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to retain their tenderness.
8
Once cooked, remove them from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9
Serve immediately with a side of tartar sauce and additional lemon wedges for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
16g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are halibut cheeks?
Halibut cheeks are tender, buttery morsels of meat from the head of the halibut, often considered a seafood delicacy for their delicate flavor.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are approximately 175 calories in a serving of these crispy panko-crusted halibut cheeks.
What is the main coating for the fish?
The coating is a mixture of 3/4 cup plain panko breadcrumbs and 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the halibut cheeks before breading?
You should rinse the halibut cheeks under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the crust becomes crispy.
What type of oil is best for frying halibut cheeks?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either margarine or olive oil for frying this recipe.
How long do halibut cheeks take to cook?
They should be fried for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that any home cook can master.
What condiments go well with this dish?
It is recommended to serve these with a zesty homemade tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 16g of protein.
How do you get the panko to stick to the halibut?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the seasoned cheeks first, then press them gently into the panko and cheese mixture.
What temperature should I use for frying?
A large skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
How much fat is in the halibut cheeks?
There is 11g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Should I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of plain panko breadcrumbs.
Are there carbohydrates in this seafood dish?
Yes, there are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the panko breadcrumbs.
What is the texture of cooked halibut cheeks?
They have a delicate and buttery texture that is often described as melting in your mouth.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 7 main ingredients: halibut cheeks, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon, salt, pepper, and frying oil.
Can I use this recipe for a snack?
Yes, these crispy cheeks make for a delightful gourmet snack or a light lunch.
What should I do after frying the fish?
Place the cooked cheeks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil before serving.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
What kind of cheese is used in the breading?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry with a paper towel is essential to achieving a crisp finish and preventing sogginess.
Can I add pepper to the fish?
Yes, you should season both sides of the halibut cheeks with salt and pepper to taste before breading.
Is lemon used in the cooking process?
Yes, lemon juice is used to coat the cheeks before breading, and wedges are reserved for serving.
How much halibut do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of halibut cheeks.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese in the crust?
The Parmesan adds a savory, salty depth and helps the panko brown beautifully.
Can I use a different citrus besides lemon?
While lemon is standard for seafood, you could try lime, though it will change the flavor profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it uses panko breadcrumbs which are made from wheat.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish focuses on the natural sweetness of the halibut, enhanced by a salty Parmesan crust and zesty lemon.
Should I overcook the halibut cheeks to make sure they are done?
No, you should avoid overcooking to ensure the cheeks retain their signature tenderness.