Are you ready to indulge in a truly heavenly seafood experience? Look no further than this delectable recipe for Butter-Basted Halibut Cheeks with Garlic and Thyme. Halibut cheeks are a special delicacy that requires minimal effort to shine. This recipe uses simple ingredients that enhance the natural flavor of the fish, creating a dish that is truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: With a cooking time of under 20 minutes, this halibut cheek recipe is a breeze to prepare.
- Simple Ingredients: Just 4 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) are enough to bring out the best in the halibut cheeks.
- Delicious: The infusion of garlic and thyme-infused butter adds a delightful richness to the fish, striking a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredient Notes:
- Halibut Cheeks: Opt for Wild Alaskan halibut cheeks, as they offer the best flavor. Keep in mind that the size of the fish will determine the size of the cheeks, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Black Pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute, as it gives the cheeks a cleaner appearance.
- Butter: Whether you choose salted or unsalted butter, the choice is yours. However, using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish through seasoning.
Equipment Notes:
- Cast Iron Pan: While this recipe calls for a cast iron pan, you can use any large skillet you have on hand.
- Fish Spatula: Though not essential, a fish spatula makes cooking fish a breeze, as its thin metal and unique shape prevent the fish from breaking apart.
- Meat Thermometer: Given that halibut cheeks cook quickly due to their small size, a reliable digital thermometer ensures they reach the desired internal temperature without risking overcooking.
Step by Step Instructions:
How To Make Butter-Basted Halibut Cheeks:
Butter basting is the ideal cooking method for halibut cheeks, as it ensures quick cooking without drying out the fish, while imparting a mouthwatering richness. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfection:
- Pro Tip: Halibut cheeks come in different sizes. If you have a variety of sizes, keep an eye on the smaller ones and remove them from the pan earlier to prevent overcooking.
What Are Halibut Cheeks?
Halibut cheeks, as the name suggests, are the tender meat found in the cheeks of halibut. Known for their delicate texture resembling that of sea scallops, they are considered a true delicacy. Each fish only yields two small pieces of meat, making them even more special.
While fresh halibut cheeks may not be readily available at local grocery stores, you can easily find frozen ones through various online seafood retailers.
Recipe Variations:
Halibut cheeks pair beautifully with simple flavors, offering a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to personalize this recipe:
- Lemon: Enhance the fish’s flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice before cooking, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest afterward, or serve it alongside a lemon wedge.
- Sauce: If you desire a sauce to accompany your halibut cheeks, consider a light option like beurre blanc. This simple white wine and butter sauce, infused with shallots, adds a delightful touch to the dish.
- Garlic: In addition to using garlic cloves to flavor the butter, you can also season the fish with a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.
More Halibut Recipes to Try:
- Teriyaki Halibut Bites
- Beer-Battered Fish Sandwiches
- Miso Glazed Halibut
What to Serve with Halibut Cheeks:
While halibut cheeks undoubtedly take center stage in any meal, you may not be preparing a large quantity due to their scarcity. They make an excellent appetizer or can be served alongside another protein, such as grilled venison backstrap, for a special “surf ‘n’ turf” experience.
As for sides, consider simple roasted veggies, grilled potatoes, or a fresh green salad with honey mustard dressing to complement the dish. Regardless of your choice, this simple recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Recipe:
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