Description

Enjoy this classic and elegant dish of pan-seared halibut served with a rich, creamy Buerre Blanc sauce. Simple ingredients create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds halibut fillets, skin removed, cut into 4 equal portions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat the halibut fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place halibut fillets presentation-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown.
3. Flip the halibut, sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. If thick, transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 4-8 minutes, or cook gently on stovetop until opaque and flaky (internal temp 135-140°F/57-60°C). Remove fish and keep warm.
4. Pour off most fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 teaspoon. Return to medium heat, add minced shallots, and cook for 1 minute until softened.
5. Pour in white wine and vinegar. Bring to a simmer and reduce by about two-thirds until syrupy.
6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in cold butter cubes, one or two at a time, until emulsified and sauce is thick and creamy. Do not boil.
7. Season Buerre Blanc with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle generously over halibut and garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

Store cooled cooked halibut and Buerre Blanc separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat halibut gently in oven or low skillet. Reheat sauce over very low heat, whisking constantly; add cold water/cream if separated. Do not boil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 450-550 (varies with exact butter/oil usage)
Sugar: Approx. 2-3g
Sodium: Approx. 200-400mg (depends on added salt)
Fat: Approx. 30-40g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 5-10g
Fiber: Approx. 1g
Protein: Approx. 30-35g