Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with just a few simple ingredients and professional cooking techniques. This Pan Seared Halibut with Citrus Butter Sauce is your ticket to culinary excellence, promising a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a golden, crispy exterior, perfectly tender halibut, and a vibrant citrus butter sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to seafood sensation that will have everyone asking, "Who's the chef?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 halibut fillets, salt, pepper, olive oil, unsalted butter, orange juice, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
- Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Carefully place the seasoned halibut fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them to achieve a golden crust.
- Using a spatula, gently flip the fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a warm plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and foam, stirring occasionally.
- Once the butter is melted, add the juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon to the skillet. Stir well to combine the citrus juices with the butter, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- To serve, place a halibut fillet on each plate and drizzle the citrus butter sauce generously over the top. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your Pan Seared Halibut with Citrus Butter Sauce with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Pat the halibut fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crispy sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best golden crust.
- Don't move the fish while it's searing - this helps develop a beautiful, crisp exterior.
- Watch the cooking time carefully; halibut can quickly become dry if overcooked.
- Use fresh citrus for the most vibrant and bright butter sauce flavor.
- Choose high-quality, fresh halibut for the best taste and texture.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to retain its moisture.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the sauce at its freshest and most flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
