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Crispy Pan-Seared Halibut Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Caper Sauce

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A quick and easy pan-seared halibut recipe featuring a crispy golden crust and a bright, zesty lemon caper sauce that adds fresh, bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 halibut fillets, about 6 ounces (170 g) each, skin removed
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (or almond/rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine or chicken broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Lightly coat each fillet with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place fillets in the skillet, spacing them apart. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and crispy.
  5. Flip carefully using a fish spatula or tongs, then add butter to the pan. Spoon melted butter over the fish as it cooks another 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  6. Remove the fish to a plate and tent with foil.
  7. Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Pour in white wine or chicken broth (if using) and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.
  9. Stir in capers and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  10. Finish with chopped parsley.
  11. Spoon the sauce generously over the halibut fillets and garnish with an extra lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Pat the fish dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent sogginess. Use medium-high heat and watch the butter to avoid burning. The lemon caper sauce is best made in the same pan to capture browned bits. For dairy-free, omit butter and use olive oil only. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or rice flour.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crispy-pan-seared-halibut-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lemon-caper-sauce/