Description
A beautiful dish featuring seared halibut with a luxurious saffron beurre blanc and sweet fennel confit, perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 halibut fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup white wine
- A pinch of saffron threads
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 bulb of fennel, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fennel Confit: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced fennel, and season with salt and pepper. Allow this to cook gently for about 15-20 minutes until tender and fragrant. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle in some honey during the last few minutes.
- Make the Saffron Beurre Blanc: In a separate saucepan, combine the chopped shallots and white wine. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half. Now, sprinkle in the saffron threads—this is where the magic happens! Stir in the heavy cream and whisk continuously until slightly thickened. Gradually add the cold butter cubes, whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear the Halibut: Season your halibut fillets generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the halibut fillets skin-side down in the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the fish is cooked through but still moist.
- Plate the Dish: To serve, place the fennel confit on the plate first, followed by the halibut fillet. Drizzle the saffron beurre blanc generously over the top. Garnish with some chopped chives or microgreens if desired.
Notes
Be patient when making beurre blanc; allow the shallots to soften and the flavors to meld. If the halibut skin sticks to the pan, it may need more time before flipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: halibut, saffron beurre blanc, fennel confit, seafood recipe, elegant dinner