Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce

Name: Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 600 g halibut fillet (skinless, cut into 4 equal pieces); 0.25 tsp salt (for seasoning fish); 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground, for seasoning fish); 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing); 3 tbsp butter (unsalted, cold, cubed); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon); 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(112)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Crispy pan-seared halibut fillets with a golden crust, finished in a bright, velvety lemon butter sauce. The fish stays tender and flaky while the sauce brings a perfect balance of richness and tang. A quick, elegant dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

PREP

10m

COOK

12m

SERVES

100 G

310 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

600 ghalibut fillet · skinless, cut into 4 equal pieces¼ tspsalt · for seasoning fish1 pinchblack pepper · freshly ground, for seasoning fish2 tbspolive oil · for searing3 tbspbutter · unsalted, cold, cubed3 pcsgarlic · cloves, minced2 tbsplemon juice · freshly squeezed1 tsplemon zest · from 1 lemon2 tbspparsley · fresh, finely chopped, for garnish

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

310

CALORIES · 100 G

Protein34g · 44%

Carbs2g · 3%

Fat19g · 55%

Fiber0g

Sugar0g

Saturated fat7g

Cholesterol71mg

Sodium296mg

Potassium678mg

Phosphorus362mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Pat the halibut fillets completely dry.
Use paper towels to remove all surface moisture from the halibut. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
TIPDry fish is the secret to a perfect golden crust. Any moisture creates steam and prevents browning.
fry · ~7 min
Sear the halibut until golden.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
2.Carefully lay the fillets in the pan away from you to avoid splatters.
3.Sear without moving for 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms and fish releases easily from the pan.
4.Flip gently and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes with a fork.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan. Sear in two batches if needed — crowded fish steams instead of sears.
saute · ~1 min
Add butter and garlic to the pan.
1.Reduce heat to medium-low.
2.Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet around the fish.
3.Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melting butter over the fillets repeatedly for 1 minute.
TIPWatch the garlic carefully — it burns fast on high heat and turns bitter. Keep the pan on medium-low.
simmer · ~1 min
Finish the lemon butter sauce.
1.Transfer the halibut fillets to a warm plate and set aside.
2.With the pan still on medium-low, add lemon juice and lemon zest.
3.Swirl the pan for 30 seconds until the sauce emulsifies slightly and smells fragrant.
TIPIf the sauce breaks, remove the pan from heat and whisk in a small splash of cold water.
serve
Plate, sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Place each halibut fillet on a warm plate. Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the top. Scatter fresh parsley over the fish and serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy sear.
2
Let the fish cook undisturbed for 4 minutes; it will release easily when the crust is ready.
3
Use cold, cubed butter and add it off the heat to help the sauce emulsify without breaking.
4
Taste the sauce before serving; add an extra pinch of lemon zest if it needs more brightness.
5
Serve immediately after saucing, as the fish continues to cook from residual heat and can dry out.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

caper butter

Caper-butter

Add 1 tablespoon of drained capers to the pan when you add the lemon juice for a briny, savory twist that complements the rich halibut.

herb crusted

Herb-crusted

Press a mix of finely chopped fresh dill and chives onto the seasoned fillets before searing for an herbaceous crust and extra flavor.

dairy free/vegan

Dairy-free/vegan

Replace butter with a high-quality vegan butter or a blend of olive oil and a splash of vegetable broth, and use a pinch of nutritional yeast for umami.

HEALTH BENEFITS