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Seared Halibut with Portobello Mushroom Vinaigrette

Portobellos make this simple dish shine. It's from Alfred Portale's 12 Seasons Cookbook written with Andrew Friedman (Broadway Books).

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

For portobello vinaigrette

1 lb portobello mushrooms, stems discarded and caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For steamed spinach

2 cups water
1 1/2 lb baby spinach
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For halibut

4 (1 1/4-inch-thick) pieces halibut fillet (1 1/2 lb total), skinned
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Prepare mushrooms and vinaigrette:

    Step 1

    Cook mushrooms in 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth and simmer until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    Transfer mushrooms with a slotted spoon to a plate and keep warm, covered. Boil liquid in skillet until reduced to about 1/3 cup. Transfer to a bowl and cool. Whisk in remaining oil, remaining vinaigrette ingredients, and pepper to taste.

  2. Steam spinach:

    Step 3

    Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add half of spinach and cook, covered, until leaves are wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in remaining spinach and cook, covered, until tender, about 2 minutes more. Drain well in a colander, pressing on spinach with a large spoon. Return spinach to pan and stir in butter and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm, covered.

  3. Prepare halibut:

    Step 4

    Pat halibut dry and season with salt and pepper.

    Step 5

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook fish until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.

    Step 6

    Arrange halibut, spinach, and mushrooms on 4 large plates or bowls. Spoon vinaigrette over each serving.

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