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Pan Seared Halibut Recipe

Pan Seared Halibut Recipe with Luxurious Lemon Sauce

This Pan Seared Halibut Recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal right at home with a velvety lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Halibut
  • 4 fillets Halibut fillets (6 oz each) Substitute with any firm white fish if desired.
  • 2 tbsp Avocado oil High smoke point oil ideal for searing.
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher salt Essential for flavor; adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper Use freshly cracked for better aroma.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted butter For cooking; helps control seasoning.
  • 0.25 cup Dry white wine Can substitute with broth for non-alcoholic version.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed for optimal flavor.
  • 1 medium Shallot Finely minced for subtle sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup Cold unsalted butter Cubed; essential for emulsification.
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream Stabilizes the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Chives Finely chopped for garnish.

Equipment

  • heavy skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the seasoned fillets to the skillet, searing for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Baste the fish with melted unsalted butter after flipping. Cook until internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F), about 2-3 minutes.
  5. For the sauce, lower the heat and combine dry white wine, lemon juice, and minced shallot in the same skillet. Simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and whisk in the cold cubed butter gradually, ensuring each piece melts before adding the next.
  7. Add chopped chives to the sauce, then plate the halibut over a spoonful of lemon beurre blanc and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 170gramsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to dry the fillets properly for a crispy crust and avoid steaming. Use a heavy skillet for optimal heat distribution.

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