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Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Butter and Capers

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy pan-seared halibut topped with a bright lemon butter and caper sauce, perfect for an elegant yet simple dinner.

Ingredients

  • Halibut fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, skin on)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, room temperature)
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon, about 2 tablespoons)
  • Capers (2 tablespoons, drained)
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped, optional)
  • Garlic (1 clove, minced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place the fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula for 30 seconds to keep the skin flat. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Transfer the cooked fillets to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), and drained capers. Stir in chopped parsley if desired. Optionally, warm gently over low heat but do not overheat.
  7. Spoon the lemon butter and caper sauce generously over the halibut fillets and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the fish dry is essential for crispy skin. Use a hot pan and avoid moving the fish too soon. Press the fillets gently with a spatula after placing skin-side down to prevent curling. The lemon butter sauce can be warmed gently but should not be overheated to maintain creaminess. For thicker fillets, finish cooking in a 400°F oven for 4-5 minutes after searing. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: halibut, pan-seared fish, lemon butter sauce, capers, quick dinner, seafood, crispy skin, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/crispy-pan-seared-halibut-recipe-easy-lemon-butter-capers-dinner/