Yard House Porcini Crusted Halibut Recipe

When I tried the Yard House’s porcini-crusted halibut for the first time, I knew I had to recreate it at home!

This recipe balances flavors with a savory porcini crust complemented by a creamy sauce.

For the best results, make sure to prepare your porcini powder ahead of time by drying and grinding mushrooms, which enhances that rich, earthy flavor.

This pairs so well with parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus, which add great texture and taste to the dish.

Don’t forget to sear your halibut to a golden-brown perfection before serving it hot.

How to Make Yard House Porcini Crusted Halibut

Ingredients

• 4 Halibut Fillets
• 1 cup Porcini Mushrooms (dried)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup White Wine
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F.

Spread the dried porcini mushrooms on a baking sheet and dry them further in the oven for about 15 minutes until they become brittle.

Step 2:

Once dried, allow mushrooms to cool down.

Use a blender or food processor to grind them into a fine powder.

This will be your crust.

Step 3:

Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper and then coat them evenly with the porcini mushroom powder on both sides.

This creates a flavorful crust when cooked.

Step 4:

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom nonstick pan over medium flame.

Sear the halibut fillets until they are golden brown on each side, approximately 3 minutes per side.

Step 5:

In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Deglaze with white wine and lemon juice, and return the fillets to the pan for a final quick heat.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Crust

Make sure your porcini mushrooms are fully dried and blitzed into a fine enough powder for an even coating on the fish. This ensures even texture and strong flavor!

Wine Selection

I recommend using a dry white wine for deglazing to add a balanced acidity that complements the mushrooms and halibut. It enhances the sauce beautifully.

Cooking Temperature

Maintain a medium heat while searing the fish so that it doesn’t burn and retains its moisture. Watching the heat will help keep the halibut juicy and tender.

Garlic Flavor

Add the minced garlic only after the fillets are cooked to prevent the garlic from becoming bitter. This keeps the garlic flavor fresh and aromatic.

What to Serve with Yard House Porcini Crusted Halibut

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

You’ve got to pair your halibut with a nice, fluffy side of parmesan mashed potatoes.

These potatoes complement the rich porcini crust and the cream sauce.

Their creamy texture and subtle cheese flavor make them a traditional yet perfect side.

Asparagus

Steamed or roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with the fish.

This side adds a wonderful crunch and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.

A drizzle of lemon juice can elevate the taste even more.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

For a refreshing twist, consider serving a cilantro lime slaw.

This vibrant side dish balances the richness of the halibut with its tangy and aromatic notes.

I find that the lime and cilantro bring a bright zing to each bite.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Surprise your guests with something different like roasted red pepper hummus.

The smoky sweetness from the peppers goes well with the porcini flavor.

You can also serve it with pita bread for a complete experience.

Spring Pesto Roasted Tomatoes

Try adding some spring pesto roasted tomatoes for something exciting.

The tomatoes burst with juiciness and a hint of garlic and chili flakes.

They pair wonderfully with the slightly sweet notes of the halibut.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Mushrooms

If you can’t find porcini mushrooms, you can try shiitake or morel mushrooms instead.

These options provide a different yet flavorful aroma and texture to the dish.

Powder them in a grinder or blender for a smooth coating.

Alternative Fish Choices

Halibut is great, but don’t hesitate to use cod or sea bass if that’s what you have.

These types hold up well to the porcini crust flavor, creating a satisfying main dish.

Ensure you’re using fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.

Substitute Sauces

Perhaps you’re not a fan of Cabernet vinegar sauce.

Try a balsamic glaze for a sweeter touch or even a light lemon butter sauce.

These pair beautifully with both the fish and the mushroom crust.

Each of these changes makes the dish uniquely yours!

How to Store Leftover Porcini Crusted Halibut

Use the right method to store leftover porcini crusted halibut to keep it flavor-packed.

Refrigeration Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container to avoid them picking up any off-putting aromas from the fridge.

Make sure your fridge is set at 40°F or lower to maintain its freshness for up to 2-3 days.

Wrap the halibut in parchment for added protection before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, wrap up the halibut with plastic wrap or foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Label the bag with the date to know when it’s best to use the fish.

This method gives you up to two months to enjoy your halibut without a loss in quality.

Labeling and Tracking

Always label your storage containers with the date and contents for convenient reference.

This step reduces any chances of wondering what mystery item is lurking in the back of the fridge!

Track what’s stored, especially if you have other seafood to differentiate your tasty leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Halibut

You might be tempted to leave the halibut in the oven a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked, but that can lead to dry, tough fish.

A timer is your best friend here—stick to the recommended bake time for the perfect flaky texture.

Using Frozen Halibut

Using frozen halibut might seem convenient, but it can result in a soggy crust and uneven cooking.

Always opt for fresh halibut to get that crispy finish with a succulent inside.

Insufficient Seasoning

Don’t skimp on the seasoning thinking the crust will provide all the flavor.

A well-balanced dish needs salt and pepper rubbed on the halibut to complement the earthiness of the porcini mushrooms.