| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 25g | 5g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 30g | 1.0g |
Why I Love Canadian Fried Halibut with Spicy Tartar Sauce
Picture this: a golden, crispy piece of fried halibut, its succulent interior complementing the vibrant, flavorful punch of a spicy tartar sauce. This, my friends, is why I love Fried Halibut with Spicy Tartar Sauce. Growing up in New Jersey, my culinary world was predominately Italian-American, with hearty meatballs and decadent spaghetti occupying center stage. But every once in a while, inspiration would strike from unexpected places. This recipe is a beautiful amalgamation of my roots and newfound culinary explorations.
The Revelation of Fried Halibut
If I’m being entirely honest, fried fish wasn’t a common feature in my past cooking repertoire. But the Canadian classic of Fried Halibut with Spicy Tartar Sauce captured my imagination. What truly makes this dish extraordinary is its simplicity combined with layered flavors. The halibut’s mild, buttery taste is the perfect blank slate, allowing the spicy tartar sauce to shine through, balancing heat and zest with creamy richness.
A Dish For All Occasions
This dish can work wonders for a casual family dinner or an impressive addition to a backyard cookout. If you want to expand your spread, consider pairing it with a bright and zesty coleslaw, much like the one my Nonna would serve with our Sunday meals. For a bit of extra Canadian flair, a side of poutine could transform a simple meal into an indulgent feast.
I must tip my hat to Chef Michael Smith, a Canadian culinary maestro who inspired me to delve into seafood with his approachable and delicious recipes. His philosophy of using fresh, local ingredients resonates with me, reminding me of my grandparents’ emphasis on seasonal produce.
Finally, a quick note on the spicy tartar sauce – it’s an absolute game-changer. Unlike the traditional, more subdued sauces, the heat from the hot sauce and the tang from the capers bring an exciting twist. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, your old tartar sauce recipe might just get relegated to the back of the recipe box. Serve with my fried halibut, it takes the dish to unparalleled heights.
What You’ll Need
- 6 halibut fillets (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
Spicy Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Method
Step One: Prepare the Halibut
Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two: Set Up Breading Station
Place the flour in one shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs with the water. In a third shallow dish, place the bread crumbs.
Step Three: Bread the Halibut
Dredge each halibut fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring an even coat. Finally, coat with bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step Four: Fry the Halibut
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the halibut fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step Five: Prepare the Spicy Tartar Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six: Serve
Serve the fried halibut fillets hot, garnished with chopped fresh dill if desired, along with the spicy tartar sauce on the side.
