Halibut Recipe
This halibut recipe is the quickest and easiest way to make seafood! This simple pan-seared halibut dish with a zesty lemon butter sauce can be whipped up in only 11 minutes. Halibut is my top choice when I am craving fish!
I love that halibut feels like an indulgent seafood meal at home. It elevates the dining experience, making you feel as if you’re in a fancy restaurant!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Skip the takeout menus and delivery apps!
- This halibut recipe cooks quickly and easily, making it the perfect protein for busy schedules.
- Halibut’s mild, slightly sweet flavor welcomes a world of seasonings and sauces, allowing you to create a different dish every night.
- Loaded with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, halibut is a nutritious choice that keeps you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
- This dish is great for many diets and lifestyles.
- This recipe is Whole30 compliant, Paleo, grain free, gluten free, high in protein, nut free, and sugar free.
- Check out my favorite Baked Halibut for another delicious seafood dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this healthy halibut recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
First, use fresh or thawed halibut fillets. If yours are frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
Olive oil helps cook the fish. Use avocado oil if needed.
Unsalted butter adds the classic buttery flavor. If you only have salted butter, omit the sea salt elsewhere.
Lemon juice helps tenderize the fish and adds a tart flavor.
Lastly, garnish this halibut recipe with fresh herbs before serving.
Taste & Texture
This halibut recipe has a firm yet delicate texture, flaking beautifully with every bite.
It is like a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, its subtle sweetness lets your chosen flavors shine.
The garlic, butter, and lemon are the most flavorful.
How to Make
Step 1
First, pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season all over with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and sea salt.
Step 2
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Then, carefully add in the seasoned halibut. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Next, add in the butter and lemon juice.
Step 3
Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky.
Step 4
Lastly, remove the fish from the pan. Garnish the halibut with fresh herbs and some of the sauce from the pan.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best halibut recipe!
Don’t overcook it! Halibut cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness.
Room temperature is key. Let your halibut sit out for a bit before cooking for even results.
Pat it dry for a perfect sear. This ensures a beautiful sear that locks in flavor and makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.
Spice it up! Fresh herbs or your favorite spices can take your halibut from ordinary to extraordinary.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This halibut recipe is just the beginning! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Mediterranean: Marinate your halibut in a lemony, garlicky sauce. Top it with roasted veggies and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Greek twist.
Asian: Make an Asian marinade and serve with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies for an Asian-inspired meal.
Cajun: Blacken your halibut with a spicy Cajun rub for a taste bud explosion. In addition, pair it with creamy grits and a remoulade sauce for a delicious contrast.
How to Serve & Store Halibut
This halibut recipe is versatile!
Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, pasta, or a salad for a lighter option.
For a fish and chips dish, serve with home fries or sweet potato fries.
Store cooked halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth or oil to prevent dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Baking is a wonderfully gentle way to cook halibut, preserving its moisture and delicate flavor. Aim for 10-12 minutes in a 400°F (204°C) oven, depending on the thickness.
Ensure the pan is hot and properly oiled before you place the fish. Don’t move it around until it’s time to flip.
Moisture is the watchword. Short cooking times at the right heat and a watchful eye are all you need.
Halibut can be pan seared, broiled, baked, grilled, or air fried. I love this pan seared recipe!
Halibut pairs well with lemon, butter, and garlic.
Equipment Needed
Our Place Always Pan: This is my favorite non-toxic skillet.
Meat Thermometer: This meat thermometer is great for measuring the internal temperature of halibut.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Enjoy
- Fried Lobster Tails
- Candied Salmon
- Blackened Mahi Mahi
- Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass Recipe
- Instant Pot Steak
If you make this pan seared halibut recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, see these Lunch and Dinner Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Halibut Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- fresh herbs, to garnish
Instructions
- First, pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season all over with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and sea salt.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Then, carefully add in the seasoned halibut. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Then, add in the butter and lemon juice.
- Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky.
- Lastly, remove the fish from the pan. Garnish the halibut with fresh herbs and some of the sauce from the pan.
Notes
- If you only have frozen halibut, thaw it completely before making this recipe.
- The halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet until warm.
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