Teresa's Recipes
Pan-Seared Halibut with Vibrant Green Herb Pesto
This sumptuous pan-seared halibut recipe brings together the ocean-fresh taste of tender halibut fillets and the punchy delight of a homemade vibrant green herb pesto. The pesto, a tantalizing blend of fresh basil, parsley, and mint, adds a lively burst of flavor to the delicate fish. This dish is a nod to Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh herbs and olive oil reign supreme and seafood is a staple.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) pieces Halibut fillets
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons for searing Extra virgin olive oil
- 2, peeled Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the halibut fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the halibut fillets and sear until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- While the fish is searing, prepare the green herb pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, parsley, mint, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
- Place the seared halibut fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of the green herb pesto over each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the halibut is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the pan-seared halibut with additional green herb pesto on the side, if desired. A fresh garden salad or roasted baby potatoes make excellent side dishes.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, replace the halibut with a hearty vegetable like grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms. The pesto can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.