Food Musings

When presenting a fish dish, I enjoy layering it over potatoes, couscous or rice (sometimes with steamed spinach in between the layers), not just because of the elegant presentation, but also because it’s a delicious mixture of flavors and tastes in each bite.

Halibut has such an amazing texture and is a quality fish that we always enjoy.  I usually purchase frozen halibut from Sam’s Club or Costco so we always have some in the freezer.  There is very little difference to us in the texture and taste from fresh halibut and it is a lot lower in price than fresh.

Paired with my Garlic Mashed Potatoes this was a fun dish to serve for just Greg and me (cut the ingredients in half) although I will definitely try it in the future for a nice elegant dinner party. 

Pan Seared Halibut with Citrus Garlic Sauce

Served over Mashed Potatoes

• ½ cup chopped fresh flat Italian parsley
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 4 6-ounce halibut fillets
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Mashed potatoes

Sauté garlic in olive oil over low heat until soft.  Mix with ½ of the citrus peels, parsley and basil in a small bowl.

Combine orange juice, balsamic and herb and garlic mixture in a small pan.  Boil until liquid is reduced, about 5 minutes.

Pre heat oven to 350°.  Season halibut fillets with salt and peppers.  Using a non stick, oven proof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over a medium high heat.  Add the halibut and sear for about 4 minutes on one side, turn over and finish cooking in the oven for about 6-8 more minutes.

Sprinkle the remaining fresh herb and citrus mixture on each plate.  Add a scoop or two of mashed potatoes.  Lay halibut fillet on top and drizzle with some of the orange juice mixture.