Seared Halibut with Cucumber Slaw and Chili Coconut Cream
Try this Seared Halibut with Cucumber Slaw and Chili Coconut Cream recipe.
Try this Seared Halibut with Cucumber Slaw and Chili Coconut Cream recipe.
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 lb halibut or any mild white fish
- 1 cup light unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tsp flour -- sub for cornstarch for gluten-free
- 1/2-1 tsp chili oil or sriracha use less or more for desired level of heat. i used 1 tsp
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp grass fed butter divided
- 1/2 cup julienned cucumber (~1/2 of a medium-sized cucumbe
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots (~1 large carrot peeled)
- 1/2 cup julienned red pepper
- juice of one whole lime
- 1 tsp stevia or sweetener of choice
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 0.0417562500707558 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.538474998909498 g
- Fiber 0.00524999991059303 g
- Protein 0.00399375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0742442498494234 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (118g)
- Sodium 39.0425000003586 mg
- Sugar 0.0365062501601628 g
- Trans Fat 0.0149136249704691 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare slaw by combining cucumber, carrots, red pepper, lime juice, rice vinegar, olive oil, sweetener and 2 tbsp cilantro in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside and let slaw sit at room temperature while remainder of the dish is prepared.
- Heat ½ tsp of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper. Place fish skin-side down onto skillet and cook ~5-6 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- While fish cooks, heat remaining ½ tsp of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once butter melts, whisk in flour (or cornstarch) until it becomes clumpy. Slowly pour in coconut milk, ~1/4 cup at a time, whisking continuously to incorporate the flour into the liquid. Once all of milk has been added, add ginger, chili oil (or Sriracha), cilantro and a dash of salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat and let mixture simmer for ~10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Once fish fillets have cooked, add a couple spoonfuls of sauce over each fillet to keep them moist and add a coating of flavor.
- Spoon remainder of sauce onto a plate or in a bowl, creating a circle. Place halibut fillet in the center of the sauce. Top with slaw and an extra spritz of lime juice. Serve!
A Weeknight Delight: Seared Halibut with a Zing
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. But trust me, this seared halibut recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly elegant – perfect for impressing a date, feeding the family, or simply treating myself after a long day. The vibrant flavors of the chili coconut cream sauce and the refreshing cucumber slaw create a perfect balance, and the flaky halibut melts in your mouth. It's a recipe that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Try different types of fish, or experiment with other vegetables in the slaw. Don’t have coconut milk? A creamy cashew sauce works just as well. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. The preparation itself is straightforward, and the cooking time is minimal. Even on the busiest of evenings, this meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labor, or maybe just spend a few more minutes with your loved ones before they start their homework and you start cleaning the house.
The magic of the chili coconut sauce is undeniable. It's rich, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy – a perfect complement to the delicate flavor of the halibut. The sweetness of the coconut milk balances the heat from the chili oil, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. I love how the sauce clings to the fish, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture. The fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch, complementing the other flavors perfectly. This sauce is so good, I've been known to double the recipe and use it as a dipping sauce for other dishes!
And the cucumber slaw? A breath of fresh air. It provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the halibut and sauce. The crunch adds a delightful textural element, and the lime juice gives it a bright, zesty flavor. The slaw is simple to prepare – just a matter of combining your favorite vegetables and a simple dressing. I often add a little extra red pepper for a touch of sweetness and color. It's the perfect side dish to balance the meal. To make the whole experience even more enjoyable, I set the table nicely and pour myself a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, making it a truly relaxing experience. When I’m really stressed, I even put on a little calming music to create a perfect ambiance.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is incredibly healthy. Halibut is a lean protein source packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The vegetables in the slaw provide essential vitamins and fiber. And, of course, coconut milk adds a dose of healthy fats. This is a meal that nourishes your body as much as it pleases your palate; it is a true win-win. It’s a dish that allows me to feel good about what I’m eating, without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
In short, this seared halibut recipe is a winner. It's a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different fish: Cod, snapper, or even sea bass would work well in place of halibut.
- Adjust the spice level: Use less or more chili oil to suit your preference.
- Add other vegetables to the slaw: Shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or even mango would be delicious additions.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of quinoa or rice for a more filling dish.
- Prepare ahead: The slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
This recipe is a true testament to the fact that healthy and delicious can coexist, especially if you are a busy woman. No more compromise, just a perfect harmony of flavors and convenience that even the busiest schedules can accommodate.
