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Baked Halibut with sides

Halibut is not a cheap fish — in fact, here where I live, it goes for upwards of $20/lb. However, it’s well worth it, and the ease in preparation makes this most likely the closest to a Non-Recipe you’re going to get on The Wannabe Gourmet, so… here goes!

1 six-to-eight ounce halibut fillet
1 tbsp butter, cut into small squares
1/4 tsp dill, minced
1/4 tsp fresh finely ground black pepper
1/4 tsp fleur de sel
lemon juice

Preheat oven to 375F. Line a baking dish with foil, and spray with a non-stick spray. Place halibut fillet, skin side down, on the foil, and sprinkle dill, pepper, and salt (I recommend fleur de self for the subtleness). Dot with butter and spritz with lemon juice.

Bake for 20-25 minutes (check after 20 minutes — the halibut should flake easily with a fork. Be VERY, VERY careful not to overcook the halibut, as it dries out amazingly quick, and that ruins the flavour.)

Serves 2 (or, 1, if you’re really hungry). This dish multiplies well. Serve alongside oven-roasted frites, and haricot verts with shallots.

Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steaks (served with sautéed Chinese cabbage and brown rice)

3 six-ounce tuna steaks
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil (separated)
2 oz sesame seeds

In a zip-top bag, place tuna steaks. In a bowl, combine vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil, whisk to combine. Pour over tuna steaks, zip bag, and turn to completely coat. Place in fridge for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Heat your skillet with remaining olive oil until wisps of smoke appear. Reduce heat to medium.

On a plate, spread your sesame seeds out and using tongs, remove steaks, one at a time, and coat on all sides with sesame seeds. Place in skillet and cook on each side, 3 minutes (for medium rare, 5 minutes per side for well done). (Be careful to not burn the sesame seeds.) Remove to cutting board and allow to rest 5 minutes, then slice, and serve atop brown rice, alongside sautéed Chinese cabbage. Provide lemon alongside for those who wish to “spritz” their tuna before dining.

Very simple, very flavourful, very healthful!

The Wannabe Gourmet

Tag Archives: fish

Baked Halibut with sides

Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steaks

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