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Pan Seared Halibut with Capers, Dill, and Lemon Recipe

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This Pan Seared Halibut recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, tender fish fillet with a flavorful topping of capers, fresh dill, and a hint of lemon. Ready in just 21 minutes, this simple yet elegant dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Fish

  • 1 pound halibut fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Toppings and Flavorings

  • 3 tablespoons chopped capers
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then sprinkle evenly with sea salt and ground black pepper. Let the fillets rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with the butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and become bubbly, preparing the pan for searing the fish.
  3. Cook the Halibut: Add the halibut fillets to the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Sear the fillets, spooning the hot oil and butter mixture over the top to baste them continuously for 4 minutes, helping to keep the fish moist and develop a golden crust.
  4. Add Capers and Dill: Sprinkle the chopped capers over the fillets and continue to baste with the oil and butter for an additional 2 minutes. Then, sprinkle the fresh dill over the fish and cook for another 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  5. Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the halibut. The fish is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Serve: Remove the fillets from the pan and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • For the best sear, make sure the pan is hot before adding the halibut.
  • If your halibut fillets have skin, sear skin side down first to get a crispy texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of dill and capers based on your taste preference.
  • Using fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a pleasant acidity.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat