Pan-Roasted Halibut with Herb Butter
In short: Thick halibut fillets seared in a hot skillet, finished in the oven and topped with a melting lemon and herb butter. Fast and elegant. It takes about 22 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 22 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Halibut is a lean, firm white fish that rewards careful cooking. A hard sear builds a golden crust, and a short finish in the oven cooks the center gently without drying it out. The herb butter melts over the top as the fish rests and makes its own sauce. Choose fillets at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, and cook only until they flake, because halibut dries out fast if pushed too far.
Instructions
- Mash the butter with the parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Spoon onto parchment, roll into a log and chill for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the halibut dry and season both sides with the salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a 28 cm (11 inch) ovenproof skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Lay in the fillets, presentation side down, and sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
- Flip the fillets and move the skillet to the oven. Roast for 4 to 6 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and flakes and the thickest part reads 63°C (145°F).
- Rest the fish on warm plates for 2 minutes. Slice the herb butter into rounds and set one on each fillet so it melts into a sauce.
Tips
- Cod, haddock, sea bass or thick pieces of hake can replace the halibut.
- Make double the herb butter and freeze the log for up to 2 months. It is good on steak, vegetables and bread too.
Questions and answers
How do I know when halibut is done?
It turns from translucent to opaque, flakes along the grain and reads 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part. Take it off the heat promptly, since halibut is lean and dries out fast.
Can I use frozen halibut?
Yes. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and pat it very dry before searing, because water prevents browning.
Can I make this without an ovenproof skillet?
Sear the fish in any pan, then move it to a baking dish and finish it in the oven as written.
How long does it take to make Pan-Roasted Halibut with Herb Butter?
About 22 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pan-Roasted Halibut with Herb Butter?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 0 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
