Alaskan Halibut

My thoughtful friend Barbara (BarbaraBakes) recently traveled to Alaska and went deep sea fishing while she was there. She and her husband caught some lovely fish and she was kind enough to bring me 4 gorgeous pieces of halibut from her trip. I am stowing 2 away for fish-n-chips but this dinner was so delicious that I have to share it! The fish was so mild and buttery... truly one of the best pieces of halibut I have ever had. Thanks Barbara!

2 pieces halibut
4 T butter
juice of 1 lemon
4 T olive oil
1 T charcoal sea salt
a good grinding of black pepper
4 sprigs lemon thyme (I am growing mine in my new little herb garden this summer)
1/2 lb. fresh green beans

Preheat oven to 375 along with a 12" cast iron skillet. Once hot, remove the skillet and cover the bottom with 2 tablespoons of the butter then place the fish (skin side down) in the center and place back in the oven for 5 minutes. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, charcoal sea salt, pepper and thyme in a dish and mix well. Remove the skillet again and pour the sauce all over the fish to evenly cover and place in the oven again. Bake for 20 minutes. Wash the green beans and then pour them over the fish and sauce along with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Continue to cook for another 10, or so, minutes then remove from the oven and allow the dish to "rest" for at least 5 minutes. The butter should be nicely browned and the beans should be slightly wilted but still crisp! I served mine over whipped Yukon potatoes.