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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Halibut Recipe with Charred Lemon Asparagus for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring flaky halibut cooked in garlic butter alongside charred lemon asparagus. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is flavorful, buttery, and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 halibut fillets (6 oz / 170 g each, skinless recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 fresh lemon (juice and thin wedges)
  • 1 bunch asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (sea salt flakes recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends (about 1-2 inches). Slice the lemon into thin wedges, removing seeds. Set aside.
  2. Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter with the minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Let the butter melt and foam but not burn.
  5. Place the halibut fillets in the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges turn opaque and a golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through (internal temperature about 130°F / 54°C).
  6. Push the fish to one side of the pan. Add the asparagus and lemon wedges to the empty side. Season asparagus with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir occasionally, letting asparagus char slightly for about 5 minutes.
  7. Dollop the garlic butter over the fish and asparagus in the last minute of cooking. Spoon it over the fillets for extra richness and aroma.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve immediately with charred lemon wedges for squeezing.

Notes

Pat the fish dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use medium heat to avoid burning butter. Add garlic butter near the end to keep garlic mellow and fragrant. Char lemon wedges with asparagus for smoky brightness. If pan is crowded, cook asparagus separately. Use a thin flexible spatula to flip fish gently to avoid breakage.

Nutrition

Keywords: halibut recipe, garlic butter fish, one-pan dinner, charred lemon asparagus, quick fish recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy fish recipe, low-carb, keto fish

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-halibut-recipe-with-charred-lemon-asparagus-for-perfect-dinner/