Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Delicate and flaky fish: Halibut is mild and cooks quickly.
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Bright, tangy sauce: Lemon and capers add vibrant flavor.
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Simple ingredients: Easy pantry staples deliver gourmet taste.
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Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Versatile serving: Pairs well with vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each)
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil or vegetable oil
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Unsalted butter
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Garlic (minced)
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Fresh lemon juice
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Capers (rinsed and drained)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare halibut: Pat fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat pan: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Cook fish: Add halibut fillets and cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until golden and easily releases from the pan.
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Flip and finish: Carefully flip fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
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Make sauce: Remove fish and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add lemon and capers: Stir in lemon juice and capers, simmer briefly to combine flavors.
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Serve: Spoon lemon caper sauce over halibut and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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White wine: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
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Herbs: Use dill or tarragon instead of parsley.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Butter substitute: Use olive oil for a lighter sauce.
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Other fish: Substitute with cod, sea bass, or tilapia.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out.
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Best served fresh: Pan-seared fish is best enjoyed immediately.
FAQs
How do I know when halibut is done?
It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen halibut?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
How do I prevent fish from sticking?
Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding fish.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can make it while the fish cooks.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes.
Can I bake halibut instead of pan searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
How do I make the sauce less tangy?
Reduce lemon juice or add a pinch of sugar.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, mild flavors appeal to most children.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan or cook in batches.
Conclusion
Pan Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce is a quick, elegant dish that highlights the delicate flavor of halibut complemented by a bright, tangy sauce. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Pan Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce is a light, elegant seafood dish featuring tender halibut fillets cooked to golden perfection and topped with a bright, tangy lemon and caper butter sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
-
Halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each)
-
Salt and pepper
-
Olive oil or vegetable oil
-
Unsalted butter
-
Garlic (minced)
-
Fresh lemon juice
-
Capers (rinsed and drained)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare halibut: Pat fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
Heat pan: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
-
Cook fish: Add halibut fillets and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden and easily releases from the pan.
-
Flip and finish: Carefully flip fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
-
Make sauce: Remove fish and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add lemon and capers: Stir in lemon juice and capers, simmer briefly to combine flavors.
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Serve: Spoon lemon caper sauce over halibut and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use fresh or thawed halibut, patting dry is key to prevent sticking.For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.Substitute parsley with dill or tarragon for a different herbaceous note.Add red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter sauce.Can substitute halibut with cod, sea bass, or tilapia if desired.
