Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce
A tender halibut steak seared to golden perfection, served with a bright and velvety lemon butter sauce that enhances the fish's natural sweetness. This seafood-inspired quick meals (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes blends halibut steak, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz halibut steak
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 8 oz halibut steak and season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Place the halibut steak in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving, until the edges turn golden and the fish releases easily.
- Step 4: Flip the steak gently and cook for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
- Step 5: Remove the halibut from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
- Step 6: Lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 8: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the halibut steak and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Seared Half-Halibut Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
