Pat the halibut cheeks dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halibut cheeks and cook until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
Flip the halibut cheeks and add the butter to the pan. Baste the cheeks with the butter while they cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the cheeks. Serve immediately.
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Notes
Tips for Cooking Halibut CheeksDon't overcrowd the pan when cooking halibut cheeks. This will prevent them from browning evenly.Be careful not to overcook the halibut cheeks. They are done when they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.If you want to add more flavor to your halibut cheeks, you can try marinating them in your favorite marinade for 30 minutes before cooking.Halibut cheeks can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa.Here are a few more ideas for cooking halibut cheeks:Baked Halibut Cheeks with Lemon and HerbsThis is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Combine the halibut cheeks with olive oil, lemon juice, your favorite herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano), salt, and pepper. Place the cheeks in a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.Halibut Cheeks with Caper SauceThis is a more elegant dish that would be perfect for a special occasion. To make the caper sauce, simply combine capers, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the halibut cheeks as directed above and then serve them with the caper sauce.Halibut Cheeks CevicheThis is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. To make the ceviche, simply combine the halibut cheeks with lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper. Let the ceviche marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Serve the ceviche with tortilla chips or crackers.