Pan-Seared Halibut Steaks with Lemon Basil Cream Sauce?

Answer 1

Everybody knows that fresh fish makes a healthy, nutritious meal choice, but a lot of people shy away from cooking it because they're afraid they don't have the skills to properly cook fish. This halibut recipe, which pairs pan-seared halibut steaks with an in-the-pan lemon basil cream sauce, is not just delicious, it's also simple. Whether you're an experienced chef or a newcomer, this easy recipe is bound to put a smile on your face.

Ingredients and Tools:

• 2 10-ounce halibut steaks
• Paper towels
• Food brush
• Extra virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon, for brushing
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
• Large saut pan
• Individual serving plates

Step 1:

Rinse the halibut steaks lightly with cold running water from the tap. Place them on a sheet of paper towels and pat them dry.

Step 2:

Lightly brush the halibut steaks with the extra virgin olive oil. Season the halibut steaks on both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3:

Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a large saut pan and heat the butter over medium heat until gently bubbling but not smoking. Place the halibut steaks in the saut pan and cook them on each side for 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 4:

Squeeze the lemon into the saut pan over the halibut steaks and add the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cream thickens and reduces by about one-quarter.

Step 5:

Stir the sauce in the saut pan and add the freshly chopped basil. Remove the saut pan from the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir the sauce to combine the ingredients.

Step 6:

Transfer the halibut steaks to individual serving platters. Top the halibut steaks with the lemon basil cream sauce from the saut pan and serve the fish immediately while hot.

Tips:

Serve the halibut with a fresh vegetable that works well with a cream sauce like asparagus or roasted potatoes for a healthy yet satisfying meal.

Try pairing this halibut dish with an oak-rich Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay if you're going to be serving wine. Avoid wines that have too much fruit flavor they'll clash with and overpower the delicate lemon flavor of the sauce.