Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce

Published:  01/02/2019

Pretty table decorations

Beautiful tablescape sets the mood for a special meal

Indulge in a culinary delight with our exquisite Halibut with Zesty Lemon Caper Sauce recipe. Delicately pan-seared halibut fillets or succulent scallops are bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with the bright flavors of lemon and briny capers.

This dish is a testament to the art of perfectly balanced flavors, offering a symphony of taste sensations that will leave your taste buds dancing. Elevate your dining experience with this elegant and delectable seafood masterpiece. Made with just a handful of ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, this recipe is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. If you've ever tried Piccata sauce at an Italian restaurant, this sauce tastes just like it - only better! And once you realize how easy it is to make, you'll be enjoying delicious lemon halibut or scallops again and again.

This recipe is perfect for date nights or even dinner parties. And best of all, it's lightened up from original lemon caper sauce recipes.

Serve with a simple brown rice medley (such as the one made by Trader Joe's) and roasted asparagus.

To really elevate the presentation of your dish, consider using one of my suggestions for plating your finished seafood on. 

Make it extra special by pairing with a crisp, fruity white such as a Sauvignon Blanc; a dry, sparkling wine (a brut using chardonnay grapes); a rose from France's Rhone valley or a Spanish rose made from tempranillo grapes.

Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce

Serves 4

  • 1 ½ pounds halibut filet, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1/3 cup flour for dredging
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 4 T butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 Tbs. capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley, optional
  • Juice of a lemon, about 1/4 cup

Assemble all the ingredients near the stove.

Place a serving plate in warm oven 125-150 F degrees.

Place the flour in a shallow dish with edges and season with salt and pepper.

Pat halibut filets dry with paper towels.

Heat oil in frying pan over medium high heat.

Dredge halibut in flour mixture and place in hot pan.

Cook halibut until golden, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until other side is golden, being careful not to overcook. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature between 130 and 135 F however, to be safe, the current recommendation is to aim for 145 F.

Remove halibut to warm serving plate and allow to rest.

Sauce Directions:

Pour the broth into the pan and stir to get up all the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the butter to the broth and add garlic, capers, and parsley (if using). Simmer 2 minutes. Add lemon juice to pan, stir, and pour over halibut. Serve immediately.

What to Serve Halibut On

Sauteed halibut are delicate and flavorful seafood options that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.

Presentation, Presentation, Presentation

The presentation of your food wields significant influence over a guest's dining experience. It entices customers to really enjoy a dish, as we often eat with our senses - sight, smell, and touch. In today's age of social media, food plating and presentation carry even greater weight. Research led by Oxford psychologist Professor Charles Spence indicates that a dish's visual appeal can enhance its overall taste. So, why not do this at home?!

Instead of simply putting your seafood on a plate, instead give attention to the final arrangement and presentation of food on a dish or platter before it is served. In this case, seafood will look beautiful served over something. 

And to make it very special, decorate the table with a beautiful, elegant tablescape. For my curated table decore items, visit my Amazon Store here and look under Tablescape Boat Decor.

Here are some popular options to serve sauteed scallops or delicate halibut on. 

Polenta: Creamy, cheesy polenta offers a comforting and slightly rustic base for sauteed scallops. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful.

Cauliflower Puree: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree provides a creamy, low-carb option that complements the scallops without overpowering them.

Herbed Couscous: Fluffy, herbed couscous adds a light and aromatic element to the dish, allowing the flavor of the scallops to shine.

Quinoa: Nutty, protein-rich quinoa provides a nutritious and slightly crunchy base for sauteed scallops. It's a great option for those seeking a healthier alternative.

Lentils: Earthy and hearty, cooked lentils serve as a nutritious and high-protein base that pairs well with sauteed scallops.

Mixed Greens: For a lighter option, serve the scallops on a bed of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens complements the seafood.

Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, creates a colorful and flavorful base for sauteed scallops.

Cucumber Noodles: For a low-carb, refreshing option, serve scallops on a bed of spiralized cucumber noodles tossed in a light dressing.

Remember to season your chosen base appropriately and consider adding fresh herbs, citrus zest, or a drizzle of sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile. The goal is to create a harmonious and delicious dish that highlights the delicate flavor of the sauteed scallops.


Categories:   COOKBOOK 

Tags:   #recipes

Shop on Amazon

Active Nutrition is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon. If you click on one of my recommended item links and then place an order through Amazon, I receive a small commission on that sale, at no extra expense to you of course. This is a way to support me and my work every time you shop at no cost to you.

Connect with Maria