Golden Garlic Butter Fried Halibut Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat18gram
Protein34gram
Ingredients
- Halibut fillets (fresh or thawed, skinless, about 150-180g each)2 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled and minced)3 clove
- Unsalted butter3 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1/2 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepperto taste n/a
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)1 tbsp
This Golden Garlic Butter Fried Halibut Fillet recipe is a simple yet delicious way to cook halibut at home. Halibut is a mild, flaky white fish that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of garlic and butter. This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and standard kitchen equipment. The total ingredient cost is approximately $12 / €11 / £9.5 / ₹900, making it affordable for a healthy dinner. The dish contains about 320 kcal per serving and is suitable for a gluten-free and pescatarian diet. The recipe is easy in complexity, perfect for novice cooks, and takes about 30 minutes total, including preparation and cooking. Food safety is emphasized by cooking the fish to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), ensuring it is safe and perfectly flaky. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked fish and washing hands thoroughly after handling raw seafood.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Halibut Fillets
1Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice sear. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them rest for about 5 minutes at room temperature; this helps the seasoning penetrate.
Heat the Pan and Add Oil and Butter
2Place a non-stick or stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and allow it to melt and start to foam gently. This combination enhances flavor and prevents burning.
Cook the Halibut Fillets - Side One
3Place the halibut fillets in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes without moving them. This helps develop a golden crust. The edges will start to look opaque as the fish cooks.
Flip and Add Garlic and Butter
4Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula or wide spatula. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, distributing it around the fillets. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, occasionally spooning the melted butter and garlic over the fillets to baste them and deepen the flavor. The garlic will infuse the butter, creating a delicious sauce.
Check Doneness with Temperature and Appearance
5Insert a food-safe instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; it should read 63°C (145°F) when done. The fish will be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking as halibut can dry out.
Serve Garnished
6Remove the fillets from the pan onto serving plates. Spoon the garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Cooking Tips
-If you do not have fresh halibut, fresh or frozen cod or haddock can be good substitutes with slightly adjusted cooking times.
-For an extra crispy crust, you can pat the fillets dry and lightly dust them with a bit of all-purpose flour before seasoning.
-Use a timer to prevent overcooking; fish cooks quickly and can dry out easily.
-Make sure your thermometer is clean and inserted properly to get an accurate internal temperature reading.
Equipment
- Non-stick or stainless-steel skillet/frying pan
- Fish spatula or wide spatula
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon for basting
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Halibut fillets: approx. $10 for 2 pieces, look for firm, moist flesh with no fishy smell.
- [ ] Fresh garlic cloves: approx. $0.50 for a bulb, choose firm and smooth skins.
- [ ] Unsalted butter: approx. $1 for required amount, fresh butter enhances flavor.
- [ ] Olive oil: costing varies, use good quality extra virgin for best taste.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional): approx. $0.50 for a bunch, choose bright green leaves.
- [ ] Salt and pepper: pantry staples, no extra cost
Total approx. cost: $12 (Costs vary by location and season)
FAQ
Can I cook halibut fillets from frozen?
It is best to thaw halibut fillets overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Cooking from frozen may lead to uneven texture.
How do I know if the halibut is cooked properly?
Cook the halibut until it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) measured with an instant-read thermometer. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Can I use other kinds of fish for this recipe?
Yes, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or sea bass can be used. Adjust cooking times if the fillets are thinner or thicker.
How do I avoid the garlic burning?
Add the garlic after you flip the fish fillets and cook on a medium heat. Stirring the garlic in the butter will help prevent burning while infusing flavor.