Pacific Halibut with Herbs

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbhalibut fillets$23.70
• 6 tbspunsalted butter$1.11
• 1 tbspfresh tarragon, chopped$0.11
• 1 tbspfresh chives, chopped$0.36
• 2 tbsplemon juice$0.19
• 2 tbspolive oil$0.62
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.04
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.09
• 1 lbasparagus spears$6.46
• Total for 4 servings$32.68

Most of the cost is halibut fillets ($23.70) and asparagus spears ($6.46). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $32.02. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with the kosher salt and black pepper. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the halibut fillets skin-side up and sear undisturbed for 3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
3. Gently flip the fillets, then move the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, until the halibut reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily. Transfer the fish to a warm platter and cover loosely with foil.
4. Set the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the trimmed asparagus spears and sauté, tossing frequently, for 4 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Transfer the asparagus to the serving platter next to the fish.
5. Turn the heat to low. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, chopped tarragon and chopped chives to the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter has melted into a smooth, fragrant sauce.
6. Spoon the warm lemon-herb butter sauce evenly over the halibut fillets and asparagus spears, and serve immediately.