Halibut Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce 🐟

Prepare to be smitten with this easy Pan Fried Halibut! Think about halibut filets seasoned just right, pan-seared to golden perfection, and topped off with a tangy lemon butter sauce. This is hands-down our go-to fish recipe at CIK! So grab your skillet and let’s whip up this amazing meal!

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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this Halibut Recipe is simple and takes just 25 minutes. Start by seasoning the filets with herbs, salt, and pepper. Then, fry them in a hot cast-iron skillet until golden brown. Finally, pour a vibrant lemon butter sauce in the same skillet over the filets before serving. This one-pan method makes both cooking and cleanup a breeze!

Chef’s note

Add a little heat to this recipe with a sprinkle of cayenne or red pepper flakes in the lemon butter sauce. The combo of garlic and basil, mixed with the tart lemon juice, makes a sauce so good you’ll want to mop it up with some crusty bread. So, try scooping up all the delicious flavors with a piece of our Keto Rolls and turn your dish into a complete seafood meal!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🐟 Ingredients for this pan fried halibut recipe

You only need a few ingredients to make this pan-fried halibut recipe at home:

2 halibut filets (about 5 ounces each)
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley
Lime

Halibut filets, lemon juice, butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and other spices are arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If any of the ingredients aren’t to your taste or you don’t have them on hand, feel free to substitute them with other options that fit your keto diet:

Butter: For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil for a unique yet creamy texture.
Dried basil and dried oregano: Substitute basil and oregano with other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, use an equal amount of avocado oil.
Fresh lemon juice: If you’re out of lemons, use two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a tangy taste.

Additional ingredients

Play and experiment with the keto halibut recipe by adding some of these keto-friendly options:

Cherry tomatoes: Sauté some cherry tomatoes in the skillet after cooking the fish for a splash of color and fresh flavor.
Capers: Add capers to the lemon juice and butter to create a more complex and tangy sauce.
Red chili flakes: Sprinkle some red chili flakes while seasoning the filets for a spicy kick.

Pan-fried halibut with lemon butter sauce on a plate garnished with fresh herbs.

Cooking tools required

To make this halibut recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board
Knife
Small bowl
Large cast iron skillet
Whisk

Tool substitutes list

Cast-iron skillet: If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a large non-stick frying pan or a stainless steel skillet.
Whisk: If you don’t have a whisk, use a fork to mix the ingredients for the butter lemon dressing.

Homemade halibut with lemon butter sauce on a plate garnished with fresh herbs.

How to make Pan Fried Halibut: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Pan-frying

Preparation steps

Gather and measure all the ingredients you need for the recipe.
Pat fry the filets.
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Set this aside for later.
Wash the fresh parsley and pat it dry with a paper towel. Chop it finely, and you’ll be ready to begin cooking!

Cooking instructions

Sprinkle the halibut filets with dried basil, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Place a large cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and some olive oil. Wait for the butter to melt.
Next, toss the minced garlic clove into the skillet. Cook it for about 1 minute until it smells nice.
Lay the halibut filets in the skillet, ensuring they’re not on top of each other. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish should break apart easily with a fork when it’s done. If the filets are thicker, you may need to cook them a bit longer.
While the fish is cooking, take a lemon and squeeze its juice into a small bowl. Put the bowl aside for later.
Once the filets are cooked, take them out of the skillet and place them on a plate for serving.
Now, pour the lemon juice you set aside into the skillet. Add the remaining butter and some chopped parsley. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring it all the time, until the sauce gets a bit thicker.
Pour the buttery lemon sauce over the pan-fried halibut filets.
Enjoy your meal!

Chef’s pro tip

Looking for that perfect crispy halibut? Here’s a pro tip: dry the filets with a paper towel before seasoning. This sets you up for a great sear when frying. Also, take it easy on the flipping—once or twice is enough. Too much movement and they could break apart. The secret to that ideal texture is letting them sear without fussing over them!

What to serve with pan fried halibut?

You can serve the pan-fried halibut on its own or pair it with these keto-friendly dishes to make a complete meal:

Mexican Cauliflower Rice: Serve the fried halibut over a crisp Mexican cauliflower rice bed for a heartier meal.
Roasted Asparagus: Pair the delicious halibut dish with roasted asparagus for a crunchy texture and fresh taste.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: The garlicky spinach pairs well with the hearty fish, providing a balanced flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Serve your fish dish with roasted Brussels sprouts for a crunchy feel.
Avocado Salad: The freshness of the avocado salad keeps the fish dish light and satisfying.
Keto Dinner Rolls: The tender texture of dinner rolls absorbs the delicate lemon butter dressing, resulting in a delightful and well-rounded meal.

Low-carb halibut in a lemon butter sauce served on a plate beside a small bowl of sauce.

How to make it healthier?

Cut down on salt: Reduce salt when seasoning the fish. This will help you keep your sodium intake under control.
Choose organic ingredients: If available at your store, try using organic halibut, butter, olive oil, and fresh produce. Organic ingredients add a clean and fresh flavor.

Time-saving tips

Pre-cut halibut: Save time by purchasing halibut filets that are already cut at the seafood counter. It eliminates the need to clean and cut the fish yourself.
Ready-made seasoning: Instead of mixing your spices, you can use ready-made Italian seasoning. It’s a quick and convenient way to add flavor.

Low-carb pan-fried halibut filets with lemon butter sauce on a plate.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Italian seasoning: If you prefer to make your own mix, combine dried basil, dried oregano, and any other favorite herbs in advance. Store this blend in an airtight container or jar. It will be ready to use whenever needed, ensuring your seasoning is always fresh and flavorful.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator storage: Let the leftover halibut filets cool down to room temperature. Then, put them in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Homemade pan-fried halibut filets drizzled with lemon butter sauce served on a plate.

Reheating best practices

Skillet: To reheat in a skillet, heat it over low to medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place the leftover filets in the skillet and heat each side for 2-3 minutes.
Oven: For reheating in the oven, preheat it to 325°F (160°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: If using the microwave, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe wrap or lid. Microwave on medium power in short intervals until heated to your desired temperature.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

This Pan Fried Halibut is easy to whip up but loaded with taste. What you get is a delicious dish that’s bound to wake up your taste buds and make mealtime a delight.

Whether you’re after a casual weekend indulgence or a standout dish for a special dinner, this halibut recipe won’t let you down. Try it out and you may just discover a new go-to that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Dig in!

Pan-fried halibut filets with lemon butter sauce on a plate decorated with lemon and fresh green herbs.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, halibut is keto-friendly. It’s high in protein and very low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet.

Halibut is a type of fish that is very low in carbohydrates. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked halibut typically contains 0 grams of carbohydrates. It’s mainly a protein and healthy fats source, making it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Pat halibut filets dry with paper towels and prepare a spice mixture of your favorite herbs and spices. Then, coat the filets evenly on both sides for the best flavor.

You can substitute halibut with white fish like cod, haddock, or mahi mahi. Remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Of course! Baking the halibut in the oven is an option. Just preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet that’s been lightly greased or in an oven-safe pan. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily flake the fish with a fork.

You can freeze cooked halibut filets, but it might not be the best idea. Freezing them may cause them to become dry and lose their appealing texture. This dish is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh.

📖 Recipe

Pan Fried Halibut

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Pan Fried Halibut, where perfectly seasoned filets meet a luscious lemon butter sauce for a quick and delightful seafood experience.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword halibut recipe, keto halibut, low carb, seafood

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 324kcal

Ingredients

2 halibut filets about 5 ounces each
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley
Lime

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Sprinkle the halibut filets with dried basil, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Place a large cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and some olive oil. Wait for the butter to melt.
Next, toss the minced garlic clove into the skillet. Cook it for about 1 minute until it smells nice.
Lay the halibut filets in the skillet, ensuring they’re not on top of each other. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish should break apart easily with a fork when it’s done. If the filets are thicker, you may need to cook them a bit longer.
While the fish is cooking, take a lemon and squeeze its juice into a small bowl. Put the bowl aside for later.
Once the filets are cooked, take them out of the skillet and place them on a plate for serving.
Now, pour the lemon juice you set aside into the skillet. Add the remaining butter and some chopped parsley. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring it all the time, until the sauce gets a bit thicker.
Pour the buttery lemon sauce over the pan-fried halibut filets.
Enjoy your meal!

Video

Nutrition

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