Light, flakey, and moist, you are going to love this Garlic Butter Halibut Recipe. It’s pan-seared to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce—a quick and delicious weeknight dinner you’ll love!

I love pan-searing halibut for weeknight dinners—it comes together so quickly and easily, making busy nights feel stress-free. If you’ve tried my cod recipe, baked salmon, baked tilapia, or rainbow trout recipe, you’re going to love this recipe too. It’s packed with the same delicious garlic butter flavors as the others!
Key Ingredients to Make This Halibut Recipe
Halibut fish— I love Pacific halibut and wild-caught types. They have a firm, flaky texture and a clean, mild flavor. They are also more sustainable. If buying fresh halibut, look for white, glossy flesh. For frozen fillets, avoid any with dried-out edges.
Seasoning: I use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to season my halibut. For extra heat, add red pepper.
Butter — Make sure to use unsalted butter as we are already seasoning with salt.
Garlic cloves — I love using fresh garlic because it has a stronger, richer flavor than pre-minced or jarred garlic. It adds depth, aroma, and a natural kick to this dish.
Fresh rosemary — Chop some fresh rosemary for garnish. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill.
Fresh rosemary — Chop some fresh rosemary for garnish. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill.
Lemon juice – it’s optional but I love to squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon juice on top of my fish. It adds more flavour. If you prefer, you can also add lime juice instead.

How to Cook Halibut
1. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the white fish dry with a paper towel and season both sides of the fish with the dried spices.
Tip: If your fish was in the fridge, let your fish comes to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.

2. Place the fillets in a large cast-iron skillet and turn the heat to medium heat. Cook it for 3-4 minutes (cooking time will depend on the size of your fillets).
3. Using a turner, flip your halibut fillets over to cook the other side. It’s cooked when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches the temperature of 118ºF. Set aside once it’s cooked.

4. Reduce the heat to low and add butter to the skillet. Melt the butter and then, add garlic. Saute for about 30 seconds or 1 minute. Add the fish back to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. You might have to tilt the pan a bit.
5. Garnish this pan fried fish recipe with fresh rosemary or fresh parsley. You can also garnish it with lemon zest.

Tip: The perfectly cooked fillet should have an internal temperature of 118°F. This little thermometer has saved so many dinners from overcooking—it’s the easiest way to ensure your fish is perfectly cooked every time (no more dry halibut!). It also works great for chicken and steak too.
How To Store Leftovers
Storage – I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight glass container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, portion them out into meal prep containers to have for lunches throughout the week.
Reheating – For best results, heat in a pan on the stove so the halibut doesn’t dry out. You can also heat in the microwave along with some sides for a full meal at once.
What to Serve with:
This pan seared halibut recipe pairs well with an array of delicious sides. Try rice, cucumber salad and mashed potatoes for savory flavors that complement the fish.
For variety, consider air fryer asparagus, air fryer green beans and roasted sweet potato, each adding unique tastes and textures to enhance your halibut recipe.


Garlic Butter Halibut Recipe
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Primavera Kitchen.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 halibut fish fillets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp garlic clove – minced
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Pat halibut fish dry with paper towel and season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt and pepper.
- Place the halibut filets in a large (10-inch) cast iron skillet and turn the heat to medium. Sear fish for 3-4 minutes. Flip your fish fillets over to cook the other side. Set aside once the fish is cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low and add butter in the skillet. When it melts, add garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Gently bring back the fish to the pan. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the halibut fillets before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Tips
- I recommend rinsing the halibut and patting dry before using.
- Do not leave the fish in the pan when it is done. The residual heat from the cast iron will continue to cook the fish.
- Try to buy fillets that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Bill Reeves says
Wasn’t anything special, just OK, don’t know if I would make it again
Gunter Heisen says
Cope. Sounds like you need to improve your skills before cooking something to advanced for you. Start with pop tarts then work your way up. 🙂
What's wrong with ppl says
You’re a rude person.
chris says
spelling is too advanced for you.
Amanda Davis says
Very tasty
Olivia Ribas says
Happy you liked it!
Kim says
Perfect! I will make this more often
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome!
Cheri says
My husband and I loved it! The Halibut was cooked perfectly! The amount of time the fish was in the skillet was perfect. Tender, flaky, and flavorful with the garlic butter basting.
Olivia Ribas says
So happy to hear that!
Kim Holley says
Loved it. I’m a garlic lover it was perfectly filled with garlic. I will make it again.
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome!
Bonnie says
This is a delicious recipe for fish! It was even better than I expected. Thanks for sharing!
Olivia Ribas says
That’s awesome! So happy to hear that!
Kim Maples says
That turned out delicious
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome!
kate says
This was great – we love garlic so all the better. I cooked 3 min per side and it was too much but still so good and lesson learned – the filets were on the thin side. Definitely making this again.
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome! I’m very happy to hear that.
Fresh halibut use this recipe fantastic delicious easy quickSean Denny says
Fresh halibut use this recipe fantastic delicious easy quick
Olivia Ribas says
Happy you liked it!
Akeem bell says
👍👍👍
Olivia Ribas says
Thanks!