Seared Halibut with Coriander & Carrots
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This vibrant seared halibut with coriander and carrots is a beautifully balanced heart-healthy dish that brings together aromatic spices and fresh textures. The firm, lean white fish is marinated in a homemade blend of toasted fennel, coriander, and turmeric, providing an earthy depth that complements the natural sweetness of the baby carrots. It is a sophisticated yet simple meal that feels light while remaining deeply satisfying.
Designed for those seeking a nutritious dinner without compromising on flavour, this recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric. Serving the halibut alongside a cooling mustard seed yogurt sauce adds a refreshing tang that ties the whole plate together. Whether you are hosting a quiet dinner for two or looking for a healthy midweek treat, this pan-seared halibut is an excellent choice for a wholesome homemade feast.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Seared Halibut with Coriander & Carrots
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Two 170g /170-g Alaskan or Pacific halibut fillets
1 Sea salt
1 Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small bunches orange, red, or yellow baby carrots, trimmed and peeled
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 Sea salt
1 shallot, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoons mustard seeds
180ml /180 ml whole-milk yoghurt
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 Sea salt
1 Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
How to make Seared Halibut with Coriander & Carrots
Prepare the halibut: Toast the coriander and fennel seeds in a medium frying pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and crush with a mortar and pestle, or transfer to a clean spice grinder. Grind to a fine powder. Add the turmeric and cayenne. Set aside 1/4 teaspoons of the spice blend; reserve the remaining spice blend.
Lay out your halibut on a baking sheet/tray and season with salt and pepper. Brush or drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and rub the remaining spice mixture over the fish on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Prepare the carrots: While the fish rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, fill another bowl with ice and water to create an ice bath. When the water boils, add the carrots and cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer them to the ice bath with a slotted spoon. Pull them out after about 2 minutes and set aside.
Make the yoghurt sauce: Toast the mustard seeds in a pan the same way you did with the coriander and fennel seeds. Crush or grind and stir together with yoghurt, olive oil, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl.
When the table is set, heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the halibut fillets to the pan and let cook untouched until they begin to release easily from the pan, about 4 minutes. Gently flip and cook the other side until the fish is just cooked through but still slightly translucent in the centre. Remove the fish to the platter.
Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in another large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the carrots and toss to coat. Season with salt. Add the shallot and cook until just beginning to soften but still purple, about 2 minutes. Pull from the heat and transfer the carrots to a plate or platter. Add the 1/4 teaspoons reserved spice blend to the residual oil in the pan. Spoon the flavoured oil over the carrots and finish with parsley.
Serve fish and carrots on 2 pretty plates with carrots. Drizzle with yoghurt sauce or serve the sauce in a small bowl alongside.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.