For the most part, tourists visiting Sointula come during the warmer months when the snow and ice have melted, and getting to the island is a bit easier.
But if you just can’t wait to get back to Malcolm Island or are eagerly looking forward to your first visit, there are plenty of things that you can do from home to help make the wait a little easier. Cooking up a delicious halibut recipe is one of them.
If you’re like many of Sointula’s visitors and have plans to visit the island’s stunning luxury fishing lodge during your stay, you’ll no doubt be bringing home some of your very own fresh-caught fish. If you were lucky enough to visit last summer, you may even have some still stored away in your freezer. But if not, you can make these recipes with halibut purchased at your local specialty grocery store, too.
Pan-Seared Halibut Topped with a Lemon Caper Sauce
If you’ve never tried halibut, you might not know what to expect when it comes to flavor. But while this fish might look incredibly unique, it has a flavor that’s similar to tilapia and is easy to pair with a variety of recipes.
For a simple take on this tasty fish, try this recipe for pan-seared halibut topped with a refreshing and light lemon caper sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- 3 to 4 slices of lemon
- 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped garlic
- ¼ cup of white wine
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of capers
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a skillet, and allow it to begin to brown. Lightly salt each of your halibut filets, and add them to the skillet, top-side down. Sprinkle the side facing up with salt and pepper. Cook the filets for 5 minutes before flipping them. Do so gently to avoid breaking the filet.
Once flipped, add lemon slices to the pan, and cook the filets for another 3 to 5 minutes. When you can poke the filet with a knife and it flakes easily, they are finished.
Pour some of the fat out of the pan, but leave some at the bottom. Put the pan back on the stove at medium heat, and add garlic and wine. Cook until the wine evaporates, then add the parsley, capers, and lemon juice. Allow it to cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in another 2 tablespoons of butter.
Put your halibut filets back in the pan at medium heat. Spoon some of the sauce you’ve made over the filets, and cook for 30 seconds. When plating your creation, pour some of the sauce over the top.
Asparagus and Baked Halibut
Halibut is a great light and healthy fish, especially when it’s paired with delicious veggies like asparagus, as in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of asparagus
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cracked black pepper
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- ½ cup of freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your filets in the center, and layer the asparagus around the sides.
Use olive oil to brush each filet and the veggies, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add your minced garlic and parmesan cheese over the entire pan. Bake for 15 minutes, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Simple Grilled Halibut
You can’t go wrong with a simple grilled halibut filet. This easy recipe is great for bringing out the natural flavors of your fish.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- ½ juiced lemon
- 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
Mix the butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, garlic, and honey. Use it to brush each side of your halibut filets. Heat a skillet, waiting until it is hot. Then, sear the filets for about 90 seconds on each side. Lower the heat of your stove and allow the filets to cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Planning Your Own Halibut Fishing Trip
Looking for other fun recipes that can help you pass the time before your next visit to Sointula? Check out these delicious salmon recipes next.
Unlike salmon, halibut can be tough to find in many grocery stores. If you’re dying to try fresh-caught halibut, the best way to do so is by booking your own halibut fishing trip in British Columbia.
Start planning your summer fishing excursion to Sointula today, and try your hand at reeling in a halibut.