Pan Seared Garlic Butter Halibut

Ingredients

• 4 halibut fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat each halibut fillet completely dry with paper towels on both sides.

2. 2

   Mix salt, pepper, and paprika together and press lightly onto both sides of each fillet. Let rest 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.

4. 4

   Place fillets in the pan carefully and do not move them. Sear for 4–5 minutes until golden crust forms and color creeps up the sides.

5. 5

   Flip each fillet once. Cook another 3–4 minutes until opaque and flaking at the edges.

6. 6

   Move fillets to a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the same pan.

7. 7

   Once butter melts, add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant and just barely golden.

8. 8

   Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stir to combine into a sauce.

9. 9

   Return fillets to pan and spoon garlic butter over them several times.

10. 10

    Finish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.