Name: Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re searching for a dish that’s both elegant and quick to make, Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil brings vibrant Mediterranean flavor to your table in just 20 minutes. This delightful main course combines flaky halibut, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a touch of butter and a splash of white wine. It’s a colorful, dazzling plate that’s deceptively simple — perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil, the magic truly comes from a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the meaty halibut fillets to the burst of basil, building layers of flavor and eye-catching color.

Halibut fillets: Choose skinless halibut for tender, mild fish that sears beautifully and pairs perfectly with fresh herbs.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for quick cooking, these sweet gems add color and a juicy, tangy contrast to the delicate fish.
Olive oil: Divided for searing and sautéing, it adds richness and helps pull together the Mediterranean vibe of the whole dish.
Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, offer aromatic depth without overpowering the fish or basil.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: This splash of liquid deglazes your pan, blending up all those tasty browned bits into a quick pan sauce.
Unsalted butter: A knob of butter melts into the sauce for gorgeous gloss and a finish that feels decadent.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil brings this dish to life with its unmistakably fresh and peppery flair.
Fresh lemon juice: A tablespoon brightens all the flavors and keeps each bite light and zesty.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, always essential for both the fish and the sauce itself.
Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for an extra citrusy finish — squeeze to your heart’s content!

How to Make Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Halibut

Begin by gently patting your halibut fillets dry with paper towels — this helps them brown nicely in the pan and keeps the texture delicate. Sprinkle both sides with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning that will highlight the halibut’s buttery flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Halibut

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned halibut fillets. Sear them without moving for 3 to 4 minutes per side; you want them to turn golden and flake easily with a fork. As soon as they’re cooked through, transfer the fillets to a plate and loosely cover them with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Cherry Tomato Pan Sauce

In the same skillet, add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds — it should sizzle and fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Quickly add the halved cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften and burst slightly.

Step 4: Deglaze & Enrich the Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and give everything a gentle stir. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, so the liquid reduces a bit and mingles with the tomato juices, picking up all the savory browned bits from the pan.

Step 5: Finish with Basil, Butter, and Lemon

Take your skillet off the heat and add the unsalted butter, chopped fresh basil, and lemon juice. The butter will melt, creating a glossy, rich sauce that’s lifted by the brightness of the basil and citrus. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve the Halibut with the Tomato Basil Sauce

Carefully spoon the warm cherry tomato and basil mixture over the top of each halibut fillet. For extra cheer, serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges — ready for the spotlight at any dinner table.

How to Serve Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

Garnishes

When it comes to plating Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil, a scattering of fresh basil leaves and a few extra grinds of black pepper add instant appeal. Don’t be shy with lemon wedges either; their sunny color and zesty juices make every bite pop just a little more.

Side Dishes

This vibrant halibut is almost a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, slices of crusty bread perfect for sopping up that dreamy pan sauce, or even a crisp, simple green salad. Each side dish brings a new texture and helps round out the meal deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil family-style on a large platter, letting everyone dig into the juicy tomatoes and fragrant sauce. Or, plate individually with a decorative swirl of sauce, a lemon wedge, and a sprinkling of microgreens for a chic, restaurant-inspired vibe at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extra Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil, allow the halibut and its topping to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

While halibut freezes well, the cherry tomato and basil topping is best enjoyed fresh. If you wish to freeze, wrap the cooked fish tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and prepare the tomato-basil sauce fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To keep the halibut moist and flaky, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid the microwave, which can easily dry out the fish. Top with freshly chopped basil and a squeeze of lemon before serving to brighten up reheated portions.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While halibut holds up beautifully, cod, sea bass, or even snapper will also shine with the same pan-seared method and the cherry tomato basil sauce. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.

Do I need to use white wine for the sauce?

If you’d prefer to skip wine, use a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. You’ll still create a gorgeous sauce that picks up all the flavors from the pan.

How do I know when halibut is fully cooked?

Perfectly cooked halibut will be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The fillets should feel firm but not rigid. Be careful not to overcook, as halibut can dry out quickly.

What’s the best way to select fresh halibut?

Look for halibut with a fresh, clean scent (never fishy!), firm texture, and a bright white color. If you can’t find halibut, your seafood vendor can recommend a similar alternative.

Is Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you’re serving bread on the side, just be sure to choose a gluten-free variety if needed.

Final Thoughts

Truly, Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil is that perfect blend of effortless and impressive. With fresh, bright ingredients and a simple method, it makes any dinner feel special. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — your taste buds (and your guests!) will thank you.

Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the delicate flavors of halibut with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Halibut Fillets:

4 halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Cherry Tomatoes:

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Halibut: Pat the halibut fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Halibut: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the halibut fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
Prepare the Tomato Basil Mixture: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté garlic. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft. Pour in wine, simmer, then stir in butter, basil, and lemon juice.
Serve: Spoon the tomato basil mixture over the halibut fillets and serve with lemon wedges.