A beautifully seared, golden halibut fillet takes center stage on the plate, topped with a vibrant red barberry and walnut relish. A lemon wedge and sprigs of fresh herb garnish lie on the side, adding a splash of color.

Spiced Halibut with Barberry and Walnut Relish

Name: Spiced Halibut with Barberry and Walnut Relish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Halibut fillets, 4 (6 oz each) None; Middle Eastern spice blend (Za'atar), 2 teaspoons None; Barberries (dried), 1 cup None; Walnuts, 1 cup Roughly chopped; Olive oil, 2 tablespoons None; Salt, To taste None; Pepper, To taste None; Garlic cloves, 2 Minced; Lemon, 1 For garnish; Fresh herbs (mint, parsley), For garnish None

Category Main Course

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Middle Eastern

Technique Frying

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: March 05, 2025

Our featured ingredient Halibut, a lean fish with mild, sweet flavor harmoniously combines with a warm and aromatic spice blend typical to Middle Eastern cuisine. The tartness of Barberries brighten up the dish, while walnuts add rich texture.

Ingredients (for 4)

Halibut fillets - 4 (6 oz each) - None
Middle eastern spice blend (za'atar) - 2 teaspoons - None
Barberries (dried) - 1 cup - None
Walnuts - 1 cup - Roughly chopped
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons - None
Salt - To taste - None
Pepper - To taste - None
Garlic cloves - 2 - Minced
Lemon - 1 - For garnish
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley) - For garnish - None

Preparation

Step 1 - 🐟🧂⏲

Season the halibut fillets with salt, pepper, and the Middle Eastern spice blend. Let it marinade for 20 minutes.
Step 2 - 🔥⏲🌡

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3 - 🍳🐟⚡

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halibut and sear on both sides until golden-brown.
Step 4 - 👨‍🍳🥘⏲

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Step 5 - 🍳🌰🫒

Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan, add garlic and cook until aromatic. Add the walnuts to the pan and fry until lightly browned. Stir in the barberries and cook for a further 1-2 minutes until they are softened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6 - 🍽🍋🌿

Once the fish is cooked, serve it with the barberry and walnut relish. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and fresh herbs.

Additional

This dish is a wonderful and unique way of preparing halibut. The zesty relish complements the earthy flavors of the Middle Eastern spice blend beautifully. If barberries are not available, cranberries or currants can also be used. Similarly, hazelnuts or pecans can be substituted for walnuts.