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If you’re looking for ways to cook halibut or are a keto pescatarian, then you’ll love this Easy Pan-Seared Halibut recipe. It takes just a few minutes, a few spices, and one pan to make. Plus, it’s perfect as an easy keto-friendly fish & seafood meal idea. In this post, you’ll find a basic recipe for making halibut, low-carb side recommendations, and tips for halibut sauces and toppings.
Eating Halibut: what are its nutritional benefits?
Halibut is high in protein, minerals, vitamins, and low in calories. In fact, Healthline claims that “one half-filet (160 grams) of halibut can provide more than a third of your dietary needs for multiple vitamins and minerals, including selenium, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins B12 and B6”.
It’s rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. And, like most other proteins, it’s naturally gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly.
I’m sharing this pan-seared halibut recipe so that you might enjoy those benefits in a way that tastes deliciously!
Ingredients in this Pan-Seared Halibut Recipe
This halibut recipe is made with halibut, salt, and pepper.
In this dish, you should know that I seasoned it lightly to highlight the fish.
But also, so that I could top it with an ample amount of a Spanish seasoning sauce called chimichurri sauce. If you haven’t had it, chimichurri is filled with fresh flavors like cilantro, parsley, and garlic. It goes great with chicken, fish, and steak. Plus, you can basically make it in a blender or food processor.
Easy Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
How to Cook Pan-fried Halibut
There are many ways to cook halibut. But, pan-searing or pan-frying does it best for me because it’s so easy.
I get my halibut cut into filets from the market. I tend to dry them off by lightly patting them with a paper towel. Then, I sprinkle the seasonings on the fillets and cook on a medium-high heated oiled skillet or pan for 2-3 minutes on each side.
My top tip for making the best halibut is to use a hot pan. Similar to what I mentioned in seared scallops, having a hot pan will allow the seafood skin to get a crispy exterior quickly without overcooking the inside.
Another tip is to flip the fish only once. When you place your fish skin-side down into the hot pan and cook it for 2-3 minutes, the fish will flip easily. An easy flip can be a quick way to tell that your fish is ready.
Cooked halibut can last 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Sauces and Toppings for Pan-Fried Halibut
Pan-fried Halibut tastes nice on its own, but even nicer when topped and paired with sauces. You can add a more refreshing flavor when you top with cilantro and parsley chimichurri sauce.
Another great option is to top the fish with my shrimp scampi lemon butter sauce. All you need to do is make the dish as listed but leave out the shrimp.
Prefer something creamier and tartish? Try this Creamy Dill Sauce made by mixing chopped fresh dill, sour cream, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, juice and zest of lemon, chopped capers, and salt in a bowl.
Easy Keto Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Side Dishes for Pan-fried Halibut
Halibut is super versatile. So, your side dish options are limitless. My favorites from the blog are:
- Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic recipe
- Keto & Low Carb Creamed Spinach recipe
- Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Easy Sauteed Asparagus recipe with Lemon
You can also check these other low-carb side dish recipes.
Other Seafood & Fish Recipes
If you like this pan-seared Halibut, you’ll also like these recipes:
- Keto Chinese Orange Peel Shrimp
- Keto Bang Bang Shrimp
- Pan-seared Salmon with Crispy Skin
- Salmon in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
- Keto Teriyaki Salmon
Easy Pan-Seared Halibut Recipe
Use DRDAVINAHS at checkout to save on some equipment & ingredients!
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb halibut, cut into 4-oz portions
- 1 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing the fish
Optional Topping
Instructions
- Remove the fish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to help
- Pat the fish dry on both sides
- Season both sides of the fish with the sea salt and black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or other pan to medium high heat
- Add the fish skin side down first and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. The fish will lift easily with a spatula when it’s ready to be turned.
- Top the fish with chimichurri sauce
Nutrition Details
The nutrition facts come from entering the recipe ingredients into Spoonacular API, a database of food ingredients. They may vary for any recipe based on the exact product used. The keto sweeteners I use have 0g net carbs & are not included because sugar alcohols do not impact most people. This is provided as a courtesy, but you can do your own calculations if you wish!
quality seafood says
The chimichurri on this blew me away. I’ve made it before, but never on halibut. I cooked this up over the weekend while the kids were at sleepovers and wow was it good.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe.
Andrea Metlika says
This halibut looks fantastic and the chimichurri sauce on top is perfect!
Tawnie says
So simple yet full of flavor!! We picked up our halibut at our local fish market and made this last night and it was amazing, thank you!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
Thank you so much for trying our recipe. We’re glad you enjoyed it.
Tara says
Such a gorgeous crust on this halibut! Sounds absolutely amazing paired with the chimichurri sauce.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Maike Corbett says
I’ve been making a lot of salmon over the last few years. And I’ve been looking for some other easy, tasty fish recipes. This pan-seared halibut recipe absolutely fits the bill. And it’s now on my family’s permanent dinner rotation.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe.
Elaine says
This will be a fantastic recipe to make for my pescatarian friends. It looks amazing, and the instructions sound so easy to follow!
Charla says
We made this last night on a whim and I’m so glad that we did. The entire dish did not disappoint, the flavours were amazing and not too overpowering.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
Thank you so much for trying our recipe. We’re so glad you liked it.
Beth says
This looks so good and tasty! I can’t wait to make this!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Angela says
What a great way to make halibut! One of my favorite fishes to cook and this is my new favorite way to make it. Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
Thank you for trying our recipe. It’s one of our favorites as well.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
I love that it is ready in such a quick time! Such a delicious dish and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Patty at Spoonabilities says
I’m always looking for new ways to prepare fish, and this is such a great recipe! That chimichurri sauce looks amazing!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Soniya says
Oh wow! Love halibutt and I am always looking for different recipes.. I am so thrilled to try this sheet pan recipe.
Angela says
Quick and easy recipe. Just what I was looking for.
Alison says
The chimichurri sauce on this salmon really makes it spectacular and something special. A really easy and flavorful meal!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you liked this recipe.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Halibut is my absolute favourite fish and I have a couple of fillets in the freezer ready to make this. Thanks for the recipe.
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Hope you enjoyed this recipe.
Shelley says
We eat a lot of fish at my house – it’s super fast to prepare and so nutritious. Love your hot pan tip in this recipe for getting a really golden crispy sear! Oh – and the chimichurri sauce for topping is a delicious addition!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe.
Katie says
Made this with the family and it was a hit!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
Thank you so much for trying our recipe. We’re glad you enjoyed it.
Denay DeGuzman says
Our family’s all about delicious fish recipes. Your beautiful seared halibut features a fabulous flavor profile. This recipe’s a keeper!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Noelle says
This was the best halibut recipe I have tried so far, love it!! Saving to make again soon
Anita says
I love preparing easy fish dish like this. And that chimichurri sauce works great with fish. 🙂
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
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