Halibut cheeks are very special pieces of fish that don't need much to shine! This great recipe uses only a few simple ingredients to highlight the flavor of the fish without overpowering it. The way the garlic and thyme-infused butter melts into the tender pieces of fish is absolutely delicious. It's the only halibut cheek recipe you'll ever need!
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter and add garlic cloves and thyme sprigs. Let the thyme and garlic flavor the butter for 1 minute.
Place cheeks in a single layer in the hot pan with bubbly butter and cook for 1-2 minutes. Tilt the pan slightly so you can scoop up the butter with a spoon and baste the fish while it's cooking.
Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Continuously baste the halibut cheeks with the hot butter until the internal temperature reaches 135°F and the outsides are golden brown.
Transfer cheeks to a plate and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving. Drizzle with hot butter from the pan and sprinkle with flaked sea salt, if desired. Enjoy!