Discover how to make creamy white wine halibut, a flavorful, easy dinner that’s perfect for any night. Try this simple recipe for a delicious seafood meal.
Creamy White Wine Halibut
If you’re searching for a delicious and elegant dinner, creamy white wine halibut is an excellent choice. This dish highlights tender, flaky halibut cooked to perfection and topped with a luscious white wine cream sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve guests. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a standout.
Why You’ll Love It
This creamy white wine halibut recipe combines minimal ingredients with maximum flavor. The white wine adds subtle acidity, balancing the rich cream sauce perfectly. Cooking the halibut fillets in a skillet results in a beautifully seared crust while keeping the fish moist inside. It pairs wonderfully with sides like steamed vegetables or easy weeknight dinners such as roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds halibut fillets (can substitute cod or sea bass)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 small shallot, minced (or small onion)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream (use half and half for lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds tang; can use whole grain mustard)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the halibut fillets to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
- Flip the fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced shallot and sauté for about 1 minute until translucent.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (about 3 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Return the halibut to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fish. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
For more seafood dinner ideas, check out seafood dinners.
Expert Tips
Use fresh halibut for best flavor and texture. If unavailable, cod or grouper are good substitutes. When searing fish, resist moving it around to ensure a nice crust. White wine choice matters—choose a dry variety you enjoy drinking. The sauce can be adjusted easily by swapping cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
To check doneness, the fish should flake easily with a fork but still be moist. Overcooking will dry it out quickly.
Storage
Store leftover creamy white wine halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cream sauces can sometimes separate when reheated, so gently warm on low heat and stir frequently. This dish can also be frozen cooked but may lose some sauce texture.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure Dijon mustard contains no gluten.
- Vegan: Substitute halibut for pan-fried firm tofu or cauliflower steaks, use vegan cream alternatives.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing shallots.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen halibut for creamy white wine halibut?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid soggy texture. - What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce nicely. - Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
The sauce can be made earlier; add to freshly cooked fish just before serving. - How do I avoid overcooking the halibut?
Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork; it will continue to cook slightly off the heat. - Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, halibut and the creamy sauce are naturally low in carbs.
Call to Action
Have you tried this creamy white wine halibut recipe? Leave a comment below telling us how it turned out! Don’t forget to rate and save the recipe for your next dinner. Share with friends who love seafood for a delicious meal idea. For more flavorful mains, explore our Mains category.
For additional inspiration, visit Food Network and Serious Eats.
