Lemon Garlic Halibut Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Halibut is pan-seared, not baked, which means a golden, flavorful crust in about 10 minutes total. Garlic and shallot cook down in butter and olive oil, fresh lemon juice brightens the pan sauce, and the fish finishes with a spoonful of that sauce over the top. The whole thing is ready in 25 minutes, making it an easy weeknight dinner that still feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.

Lemon and garlic with white fish is a combination that shows up all over Mediterranean and Lebanese coastal cooking, and it works here for the same reason it always has: the acid and garlic cut through the richness of the fish without masking it. I like to serve this over a creamy butternut squash risotto in the fall, but it’s just as good over rice, orzo, or a simple green salad any time of year. My kids ask for this one on repeat, which is the real test. If you’re a fan of easy seafood dinners, you’ll also want to try my Pan Fried Fish, Mediterranean Salmon, Air Fryer Cod, Black Sea Bass Recipe and this Pan Seared Garlic Butter Cod on rotation.

Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.

• Fish: This recipe uses halibut fillets. It is a nice light fish. You could sub in sea bass, cod or mahi mahi. If you want to learn more about pan frying seafood check out my Pan Fried Fish recipe. If you want to learn more on how to sear fish check out my Pan Seared Greek Salmon recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds flavor to the fish. I suggest not skipping this!
• Shallot: I added shallot to this halibut. You also could use a sweet onion, red onion or a yellow onion.
• Spices: The spices go great with the halibut nicely. The mixture mixes paprika, dried oregano and basil.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a sweet, citrusy flavor with the halibut. It is a great way to balance the flavors.

Recipe Variations

• This recipe uses butter and I know some people try to avoid that. You can substitute the butter with additional olive oil or ghee in its place. The butter just helps give the sauce a rich flavor. 
• There are some great additions you could add to this dish. Some that I enjoy are artichoke hearts, olives, roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes
• Beans would be a nice addition as well. I like chickpeas or white beans. 
• Serve this halibut over pasta, like an angel hair or linguine. You could also serve it over zoodles or even rice. 
• Before placing the halibut in the oven you could sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the halibut. Cheese makes everything better, right?

Looking for more easy seafood recipes? Try this Mediterranean Baked Fish or this Easy Oven-Baked Mediterranean Tilapia.

How do you Make Lemon Garlic Halibut

Step 1: Mix the Spices: In a small mixing bowl combine the paprika, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Heat a large skillet over medium hight heat. Add the olive oil and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the shallots and continue to saute for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Add the butter and stir it until it melts. Add the lemon juice and stir well.

Step 4: Rub Fish with Spices: Pat the halibut dry with a paper towel to remove moisture and ensure the halibut gets a nice sear. Rub the halibut with the spice mixture.

Step 5: Sear Halibut: Place the halibut with the skin side up in the skillet. Sear the first side of the halibut for 4-5 minutes. Flip and let the other side of the halibut sear and spoon some of the butter lemon sauce over the halibut. Cook until the fish is cooked through.

What to Serve with this Halibut

• Salads are a great pairing. Try this Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing, Copycat La Scala Chopped Salad or this Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad).
• If you like veggie sides try adding this Green Beans with Brown Butter and Toasted Almonds or these Balsamic Roasted Carrots.
• Grains are a great side to serve this halibut with. Try this Lemon Orzo Recipe or Lemon Herb Couscous.