Pan Sauteed Halibut with Red Bell Pepper, Capers and Toasted Cumin

Halloween night.

Cold and clear.

Perfect for “ghoulies and ghosties and long leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night.”

World Series on the tube. The rain stops in Philly.

Star Wars creatures at the front door.

Once the trick or treaters are done., filets of halibut waiting on the stove are quickly cooked in a bit of olive oil and butter, a tasty topping of sautéed red bell peppers, garlic confit, capers and toasted cumin at the ready.

A dish to please any ghoul or baseball fan alike.


Pan Sauteed Halibut with Red Bell Pepper, Capers and Toasted Cumin
Adapted from Bistro Cooking by Patricia Well

2 5 ounce halibut filets, seasoned with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 red bell peppers, sliced into strips
2 tbsp capers
2 tsp whole cumin seeds, toasted
1 tbsp garlic confit, chopped
1 tbsp butter
Extra virgin olive oil

In a medium skillet over medium high heat add a couple of swirls of extra virgin olive oil. When oil is wavy looking, add the red bell peppers and stir, lowering heat so they can cook and soften for about 10 minutes. Add the garlic confit, capers and toasted cumin seeds. Stir to combine and cook five minutes. Keep over low heat.

In a medium cast iron or non stick skillet, over medium high heat, add a couple of swirls of extra virgin olive oil. When olive oil is wavy add the butter. Butter will foam and as soon as foam subsides add the halibut. Let cook about 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish and turn. Cook 3-4 minutes on the other side. Monitor the heat so the butter does not get too brown.
Put the fish on the dinner plates. Swirl the red bell pepper mix into the pan you have just cooked the fish in and pour over the fish.

Serves 2.

Click here for a printable recipe!

One Year Ago on Feeding Groom

Pan Sauteed Halibut with Red Bell Pepper, Capers and Toasted Cumin