Halibut is a delicious and versatile fish that can be prepared in many different ways. Learning how to cook halibut like a professional chef can help you create a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook halibut in three different ways: pan-seared, oven-baked, and grilled.
1. How To Cook Halibut on Stove ( Pan-Sear Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 halibut fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the halibut fillets to the skillet, skin side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them to allow a nice crust to form.
Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Transfer the cooked halibut fillets to a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season the garlic butter sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the halibut fillets, coating them evenly.
Serve the pan-seared halibut immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. It pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
2. How To Cook Halibut in Oven ( Baked Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 halibut fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Place the halibut fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir well to create a garlic butter mixture.
Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the halibut fillets, coating them evenly. Reserve a small amount of the mixture for basting later.
Place the baking dish with the halibut fillets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Halfway through the baking time, open the oven and baste the fillets with the reserved garlic butter mixture. This will help to keep the fish moist and flavorful.
Once the halibut fillets are cooked through, remove them from the oven.
Serve the baked halibut fillets immediately, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. They pair well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
3. How To Cook Halibut on Grill
Ingredients
- 2 halibut fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lime
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lime zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Spread a generous amount of the cilantro lime butter mixture over both sides of the halibut fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Place the halibut fillets on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
While grilling, you can baste the halibut fillets with any remaining cilantro lime butter mixture for added flavor.
Once the halibut fillets are cooked through, remove them from the grill.
Serve the grilled halibut fillets immediately. They pair well with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, extra chopped cilantro for garnish, and sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
With these simple instructions, I believe that you can achieve perfect pan-seared, oven-baked, or grilled halibut right at home. Cooked properly, this mild white fish is succulent, flaky, and full of flavor. Use the freshest fillets or steaks you can find and resist overcooking for sensational results.