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Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This Halibut Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce features perfectly seared halibut fillets seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, cooked in olive oil, and topped with a rich, nutty lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this elegant yet simple dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Fish

  • 4 6-oz Halibut fillets (1.5 lb total)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Salted butter
  • 1 medium Lemon (cut in half)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fish: Use paper towels to pat the halibut fillets completely dry to ensure even browning. Season the fish on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat the skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  3. Sear the fish: Add the fish fillets in a single layer to the skillet. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes, until the edges become opaque and the bottom has a golden sear. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Keep fish warm: Remove the cooked fish from the pan and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
  5. Brown the butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan. Let it melt completely, then cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
  6. Add lemon juice: Squeeze all the juice from both lemon halves into the browned butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently until the sauce volume reduces by half. The sauce will be thin but flavorful.
  7. Serve: Drizzle some lemon butter sauce on each serving plate, place the seared halibut fillets on top, and spoon additional sauce over the fillets. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Patting the fish dry is crucial to achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your halibut fillets; adjust accordingly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer, but it will naturally be a thinner lemon butter sauce.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.