Pan-Seared Halibut: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Pan-seared halibut is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a perfectly balanced meal. This mild and slightly sweet white fish pairs well with starchy sides and veggies, making it a healthy and delicious option for any occasion.

For a simple and light meal, serve the halibut with a green salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, roasted garlic butter fingerling potatoes or a one-pot orzo with parmesan and peas are great choices. Other potato sides that go well with halibut include extra crispy smashed potatoes and garlic butter herb potatoes.

When it comes to veggies, air fryer broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts with honey sriracha, and a kale Brussels sprouts salad with honey mustard dressing are all tasty options. If you're looking for a grain dish, wild rice pilaf, instant pot jasmine rice, or perfect instant pot brown rice are all great choices.

Of course, don't forget the sauce! A classic lemon butter sauce or a twist like chimichurri or pesto can really take this dish to the next level. So, whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, pan-seared halibut is a delicious and healthy option that's sure to impress.

Roasted vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 6-oz halibut fillets
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
• Assorted vegetables of your choice (e.g. asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a suitable temperature, depending on the vegetables you have chosen.
• Wash and chop the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.
• Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the preheated oven.
• Roast the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, stirring or tossing them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The time will vary depending on the vegetables used, but it should take around 20-30 minutes.
• While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the halibut by patting the fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning them with the garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Place the halibut fillets in the hot oil, skin-side up, and cook without touching until golden.
• Carefully flip the halibut and continue cooking until it reaches your desired doneness.
• Remove the halibut from the skillet and squeeze lemon juice over the fillets. Scatter with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve the halibut with the roasted vegetables on the side.

Starchy sides

Potatoes

Lemony Greek potatoes are a classic Mediterranean side dish that pairs well with mild white fish. The potatoes are cooked with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, resulting in a caramelized exterior and fluffy interior. Alternatively, roasted red new potatoes are an easy option that can be made in the oven alongside the fish. For a more indulgent option, try creamy au gratin potatoes or creamed kale with a rich and delicious taste.

Rice

Rice is a common starch to serve with fish, and there are many ways to prepare it. For a colourful and flavourful option, try South Indian lemon rice with fragrant spices and roasted peanuts. Or, for a classic side, make easy oven-baked risotto with a creamy, slightly nutty taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, try cauliflower rice, which is a great low-carb alternative.

Pasta

Pasta is another classic pairing with seafood. Try spaghetti cacio e pepe, a heartier side dish that pairs well with fish. Or, for a lighter option, go for zucchini noodles, which can be served raw or cooked.

Breads

Bread is always a good option to soak up all the delicious flavours of the dish. Try couscous-stuffed bell peppers, which are pretty enough to serve at a dinner party. Or, for a more casual option, serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to dip into the lemon butter sauce.

Salads

• Arugula salad with cherry tomatoes
• Beet salad
• Tomato cucumber avocado salad
• Caprese salad
• Asparagus salad
• Roasted zucchini salad
• Roasted cauliflower salad

Rice

If you're looking for a simple rice dish to serve with your halibut, you could try making Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice. These are both basic rice recipes that can be easily prepared in an Instant Pot.

Another option is to make a wild rice pilaf, which is a little more complex but can be a great complement to the mild flavor of the halibut.

For a more international flavor, you could try making a Spanish-style rice dish, such as paella, or a rice dish with Asian flavors, such as fried rice or rice porridge.

No matter which type of rice you choose, it's important to remember that rice can be a blank canvas for a variety of flavors and ingredients. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different spices, herbs, and vegetables to find a combination that you love.

Potatoes

Pan-seared halibut is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of potato dishes. Here are some ideas for potato sides to accompany your halibut:

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that can be easily prepared in the oven while you pan-sear your halibut. Cut potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss them in olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a comforting and creamy side dish that pairs well with the flaky texture of pan-seared halibut. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra creamy touch, you can also add sour cream or cream cheese to your mashed potatoes.

Potato Salad

If you're looking for a refreshing potato side, consider making a potato salad. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the potatoes with a vinaigrette or mayonnaise-based dressing, and add in chopped vegetables like celery, red onions, and fresh herbs. Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

For a fun and crispy potato side, try making crispy smashed potatoes. Boil small potatoes until tender, then place them on a baking sheet and gently smash them with a fork. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, also known as potato gratin, is a classic and elegant side dish. Thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with a creamy sauce, typically made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Bake the scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

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