Smoked Halibut & Lemon Herb Risotto

This Smoked Halibut & Lemon Herb Risotto is a luxurious, comforting dish that highlights the delicate, smoky flavor of wild Alaska halibut. Creamy Arborio rice is infused with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and savory stock, then topped with tender flakes of smoked halibut for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Perfect for special occasions, this dish lets the premium quality of smoked halibut shine—while also giving you new inspiration for how to enjoy this unique Alaska seafood.
Creamy smoked halibut and lemon herb risotto topped with flaked halibut, fresh dill, and lemon zest, served in a rustic white bowl.
Yield:
4 servings (about 1 to 1½ cups per serving)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces wild Alaska smoked halibut, flaked
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1️⃣ In a saucepan, warm the seafood stock over low heat and keep it simmering.
2️⃣ In a large skillet or wide pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the grains are lightly toasted.
4️⃣ Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
5️⃣ Add the warm stock one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.
6️⃣ Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Gently fold in the flaked smoked halibut, cooking just until warmed through, about 1–2 minutes.
8️⃣ If desired, stir in Parmesan for extra creaminess. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this risotto with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for an elegant dinner. Pair with a chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the smoky and citrusy notes of the dish.
Note: For a restaurant-style presentation, you can also top the risotto with flaked halibut and garnish with herbs and lemon.
For a lighter twist, try flaked smoked halibut over avocado toast or in sandwich wraps for a casual lunch.
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