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Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Halibut Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

This Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Halibut is a quick and delicious seafood dish featuring tender halibut fillets seasoned with aromatic spices and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful dinner, this recipe combines the delicate taste of halibut with a buttery, lemony garlic sauce and a fresh rosemary garnish.

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Fish and Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 halibut fish fillets
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp garlic clove, minced
  • ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season all sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Halibut: Place the seasoned fillets in a large 10-inch cast iron skillet and adjust the heat to medium. Sear the fish for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown, then carefully flip the fillets to cook the other side until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching carefully to prevent burning. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to combine all the flavors.
  4. Baste and Garnish: Return the cooked halibut fillets to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly to pool the garlic butter sauce to one side, and use a spoon to baste each fillet generously with the sauce. Before serving, sprinkle the fillets with fresh chopped rosemary for an added burst of aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish to get a nice sear and prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic during butter sauce preparation as it can become bitter.
  • Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a crisp exterior.
  • This recipe can be served with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat