Halibut season is here, which means you’re less than 30 minutes away from a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner. Known as the steak of the sea, halibut has a firm, meaty texture and sweet, mild flavor that shines with a bright, velvety lemon butter sauce.
We’ve found many of our neighbors feel intimidated by cooking fish at home, but this recipe couldn’t be easier. You’ll use a low-and-slow approach for the sauce while searing the fish quickly to get that beautiful golden crust. We recommend using a heavy skillet (like cast iron) helps distribute the heat evenly so your halibut doesn’t stick or fall apart.
What’s the Secret to the Best Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce?
The secret to perfect halibut is starting with fresh, never-frozen fillets and patting them completely dry before searing. We’ve found that cooking the fish over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side ensures a golden crust, while finishing it with a cold-butter emulsion creates a silky, restaurant-style lemon sauce that never breaks.
Ingredients
- 2 (6oz) fresh halibut fillets from The Butcher Shop
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed and chilled)
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Prep the Fish
Remove the halibut from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Pat the fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Halibut
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the fillets in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them until a golden-brown crust forms.
3. Flip the Fish
Gently flip the fish and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. Remove the fish from the pan and let it rest on a warm plate.
4. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced shallots. Sauté for 1 minute until soft.
5. Emulsify
Add the lemon juice and capers, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
6. Finish
Stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Spoon the sauce over the halibut and serve immediately.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Pat the fish dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Patting the fillet dry with paper towel ensures a beautiful, golden-brown crust instead of steaming the fish.
- Start with Cold Butter: Adding cold fat to a warm liquid is what creates that emulsion (creamy thickness) without using heavy cream.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Adding fresh dill or tarragon creates an elevated, aromatic lemon butter sauce.
Looking for more recipes to prepare halibut? Check these out:
Roasted Halibut Fresh Seafood For Home
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when my halibut is perfectly cooked?
Halibut is best when it’s just opaque and starts to flake easily with a fork. We recommend using a meat thermometer to pull the fish at an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Is your halibut ever frozen?
No, we only sell fish that has never been frozen. We believe in providing you only the finest, freshest ingredients.
What are good sides to pair with lemon butter halibut?
We recommend pairing this dish with fresh produce like asparagus or a crisp salad. We also have a curated selection of local beer and wine that pairs beautifully with citrus-based seafood dishes.
Find the Freshest Halibut and Lemon Butter Sauce Ingredients at The Butcher Shop
Because the lemon butter sauce lets the halibut shine, you’ll want to start with high-quality, fresh halibut – exactly what you’ll find at The Butcher Shop. We only sell fish that’s never been frozen, so you get perfectly tender, flaky fish every time. Our shipments come in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and can be served on your dinner table within 24 hours of being caught.
At TBS, we also carry farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked bread, and the high-quality pantry essentials you need to make it a meal. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.