Indulge in Pan Fried Halibut Smothered in a Vibrant Rustic Fra Diavolo Sauce
This recipe offers a tantalizing journey through the flavors of Fra Diavolo Sauce, perfectly complemented by pan-fried halibut. Moreover, the heart of this dish lies in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, delivering a velvety texture and robust flavor profile. The sauce takes advantage of canned crushed fire-roasted tomatoes that’s seasoned to perfection.
The Spicy Fra Diavolo Sauce
To start, this easy halibut fra diavolo sauce begins with a sauté of diced onions in olive oil, adding depth and sweetness to the dish. Additionally, red pepper flakes provide a fiery kick, while crushed garlic infuses a rich aroma. Also, fresh thyme leaves contribute earthy undertones, balanced by the subtle brightness of minced dill. Not to mention, ground cinnamon and smoked paprika add complexity, enhancing the sauce with warm, smoky notes. Importantly, the canned fire-roasted crushed tomatoes form the heart of the sauce. Moreover, it imparts a robust and velvety texture with a rustic flavor. Seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, the sauce simmers to perfection. Finally, the addition of freshly grated nutmeg culminates for a final touch of warmth and spice.
Meanwhile, the halibut is prepared with a simple yet effective seasoning blend of smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The halibut fillets are generously coated with the spice mixture to mirror the flavors of the sauce. Further, the halibut is pan-fried to golden perfection in ghee, a high smoke point oil known for its rich, buttery flavor. Cooked to tender perfection, the halibut emerges from the skillet with a crisp exterior and succulent interior. Importantly, this easy halibut fra diavolo can either have the fish finish cooking in the sauce or simply cook all the way through and serve it with the sauce.
Health Benefits
Importantly, this easy halibut fra diavolo not only delights the palate, but also offers numerous health benefits. In fact, halibut, a lean source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, support heart health and brain function. Additionally, the fra diavolo sauce, bursting with tomatoes and aromatic herbs, provides a dose of antioxidants and vitamins. Hence promoting overall wellness. With its balanced flavors, this easy halibut fra diavolo dish satiates the appetite while providing nourishment for seafood lovers.
Craving more healthy seafood dishes?
An equally delicious and healthy match to the easy halibut Fra Diavolo dish, is the scrumptious sheet pan baked salmon. Plus, for an elegant weekend or special occasion dish, add the healthy crabmeat-stuffed salmon steaks. Importantly, not only are all these dishes satiating and delicious, but they are a delightful list of recipes to add to your culinary experience.
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Nutritional information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe
Easy Pan Fried Halibut
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE FRA DIAVOLO SAUCE
- 3 – 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 large diced onions about 1 cup
- 3/4 – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 – 4 clove s garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoons fresh dill finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes canned fire roasted
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
FOR THE PAN FRIED HALIBUT
- 2 pounds halibut skinless boneless. Cutup into 4 portions
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 – 4 tablespoons ghee or any high smoke point oil
Instructions
Make the sauce
- Add the olive oil to a hot 3- quart saucepan. Use medium heat.3 – 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Add the onions. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.1/3 large diced onions
- Add the red pepper flakes, garlic, thyme and 1/2 of the fresh dill. Mix and cook 30 to 60 seconds.3/4 – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3 – 4 clove s garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 tablespoons fresh dill
- Add the smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Mix and cook 30 seconds.1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.28 ounces crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Once the sauce starts to look a bit darker, it's ready, Turn off the stove and add the freshly grated nutmeg. Stir. Turn off the flame.1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
While the sauce is simmering, preheat the cast iron skillet. Use medium high heat.
Season and cook the halibut.
- Add the halibut to a quarter-sheet pan or plate. Season with the smoked paprika, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the fish.Note: Be sure the fish is dried throughly using paper towel. Also, I usually combine the spices salt and pepper in a small bowl and then sprinkle it all over the fish.2 pounds halibut, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the ghee to the hot cast iron skillet. Carefully add the seasoned halibut to the pan. Let the halibut cook untouched for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the sides of the halibut begins to look opaque, carefully flip them over using a kitchen tong or fish spatula. Allow the second side to cook 3 to 4 minutes more. Turn off the stove and remove the fish to a plate.3 – 4 tablespoons ghee, 2 pounds halibut
- To serve, add some of the sauce to a deep plate and add a piece of the halibut on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped dill if desired. Enjoy!1 tablespoons fresh dill
Nutrition
