If you’re like many visitors, dreams of fresh-caught Pacific salmon are a big reason why you’ve booked a visit to your favorite British Columbia fishing lodge. But while many people come for the salmon, halibut is another, equally exciting catch.
This oversized, odd-looking fish is a member of the right-eye flounder family. While it may not be the prettiest fish to look at, its high-protein, low fat, tasty fillets might just have you rethinking your favorite fish dish.
If you’re dreaming of reeling in a halibut on your next visit to a British Columbia fishing lodge, keep reading for a few tasty recipes you’ll want to try.
1. Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce
This classic take on halibut is a great way to enjoy the fish’s natural flavors with a fresh lemony finish that makes for a light and tasty dish. The measurements in this recipe for Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce are for two filets totaling about one pound of fish.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons of capers
- 3 to 4 slices of lemon
- 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped garlic
- ¼ cup of white wine
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Start by lightly salting the top of each filet. Then, warm 2 tablespoons of butter and all of the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Swirl until the mix begins to brown, then, add each filet top-side down. Sprinkle the side that remains facing up with salt and pepper.
Cook the top for around 5 minutes before turning the filets gently. Add your lemon slices to the pan and allow the filets to cook for 3 to 5 more minutes. Your filets will be done when you can poke them with a small knife and they flake easily. It’s best to stop cooking your filets just before they are done, as they will finish cooking in the next step.
Pour off some of the fat from the pan, leaving a small amount in the bottom. Place the pan back over medium heat and add the garlic and wine. Allow it to cook until the wine evaporates. Add the lemon juice, parsley, and capers. Cook for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
Place the filets back in the pan and place it back over medium heat. Use a spoon to pour some of the sauce over the filets. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove the filets. When you plate each piece of fish, make sure to pour some sauce over the top, and garnish with a cooked lemon slice.
2. Grilled Halibut
If your idea of the perfect recipe is something that you can throw on the grill, this Grilled Halibut is for you. This simple recipe is for around 1 pound of fresh halibut, cut into filets.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- ½ juiced lemon
- 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
Start by mixing butter, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, and garlic in a small bowl. Brush each side of each of your filets with the mixture. Heat a skillet until it’s hot, then sear the halibut for 90 seconds on each side. Lower the heat and cook each side of your filets for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. Serve and enjoy!
3. Baked Halibut and Asparagus
With fresh halibut and asparagus, and just a few common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can make a tasty, healthy meal the whole family will enjoy, and that requires very little prep time. This recipe for Baked Halibut and Asparagus is for 2 halibut filets weighing in at around 1.5 pounds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of asparagus
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cracked black pepper
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- ½ cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet, half size, with parchment paper and place the filets in the center of the sheet. Lay the asparagus flat around the filets.
Brush each halibut filet and the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic over both the asparagus and the halibut, then top with parmesan cheese.
Bake your creation for 15 minutes, or until the halibut flakes easily. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Ready to Catch Your Own Halibut? Time to Books a Visit to a British Columbia Fishing Lodge
If you haven’t been lucky enough to experience the delicious catch that is halibut, your next trip to Sointula Lodge might just be your chance.
Book your summer 2022 adventure today to your favorite British Columbia fishing lodge so that you can put these halibut recipes to the test for yourself!