Hey there—summer’s in full swing, and that means grill season is officially on! Look no further than grilled halibut if you’re searching for a tasty and wholesome star for your BBQ spread. With its delicate, buttery flavor and satisfyingly firm texture, this flaky, tender fish cooks up beautifully on the grill. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something light yet delicious!”
Halibut is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also packed with protein and low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a nutritious seafood option. Its firm texture prevents it from falling apart on the grill, ensuring a flavorful dish every time. In this article, we’ll explore three mouth-watering grilled halibut recipes that are sure to elevate your summer BBQs and impress your guests.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to delight. With halibut’s mild flavor, even those who don’t typically enjoy fish will be won over. Let’s dive into the top 3 grilled halibut recipes that will make your summer gatherings unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Selecting and Preparing Halibut for Grilling
The key to a great grilled halibut lies in understanding the characteristics of halibut fillets and halibut steaks. When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider the differences in preparation and cooking.
Choosing Between Halibut Fillets and Steaks
Halibut fillets are sliced into individual portions of varying sizes and thicknesses, with the skin and bones carefully removed for easy cooking and eating.. This makes them ideal for quick cooking and less likely to dry out on the grill. On the other hand, halibut steaks are more uniform, with the skin on and possibly containing bones.
How to Prevent Halibut from Drying Out
Halibut has a low fat content, making it prone to drying out if overcooked. To prevent this, you can:
- Gently pat the fish dry before adding any seasoning. This helps it brown nicely when cooked.
- Marinate or brush with oil to add moisture and prevent sticking to the grill.
- Brine the halibut for 15-30 minutes before grilling to maintain moisture.
By following these prep techniques and considering the size and fat content of your halibut, you can achieve a deliciously grilled dish.
Essential Grilling Techniques for Perfect Halibut
Grilling halibut to perfection requires a combination of the right temperature, timing, and technique. To start, preheating your grill to the correct temperature is crucial.
Ideal Grilling Temperature and Time
Preheat your grill to 375 degrees F. Start by grilling the halibut over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side. Then, reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 2 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your halibut fillet, typically taking around 10-15 minutes.
How to Tell When Halibut is Done
Cook your halibut for 5-7 minutes on one side before flipping it. For the second side, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.When the halibut is ready, the outside should be nicely browned, while the inside stays white, opaque, and moist. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
To achieve perfectly grilled halibut, it’s also important to manage flare-ups and flip the fish carefully to prevent it from breaking. Using a wide, thin spatula can help with this process.
Spiced Grilled Halibut with Paprika and Cumin
Experience the perfect blend of flavors with our Spiced Grilled Halibut recipe, featuring a mix of olive oil, garlic, and spices that complement the halibut’s mild taste. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with bold flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious grilled halibut recipe, you will need:
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 🍋 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt)
- ⚫ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🌿 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 🐟 2 (6-ounce) halibut fillets, ½-inch thick
Preparation Steps
Begin by stirring together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin in a small bowl with a fork. Next, pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel, then use a pastry brush or your hands to coat them evenly with the flavorful oil mixture.
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your grill pan, gas grill, or electric grill to medium-high heat and give it a light grease. Place the halibut on the grill and cook for 2 minutes per side, pressing down gently so each fillet gets good contact with the grill. Then, reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 2 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spiced Grilled Halibut hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a light salad. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat as needed.
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For a refreshing twist on grilled halibut, try Howard’s Fresh Herbed Grilled Halibut recipe, featuring a traditional Southern Italian Salmoriglio sauce. This dish brings together the delicate flavor of halibut and the bright, herbaceous flavors of the sauce, creating a perfect harmony for your summer BBQs.
Ingredients for Salmoriglio Sauce
The Salmoriglio sauce is a crucial component of this recipe, made with 1 large clove of garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, and 1 large pinch of crushed red pepper. You’ll also need 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and 3 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme.
Preparation Steps
To prepare the Salmoriglio sauce, start by stirring together the garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, add the fresh herbs and stir to combine. Gradually add the olive oil, stirring to create an emulsion.
Grilling Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Rub the halibut fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the halibut until char marks appear, then flip and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Serve the grilled halibut topped with the Salmoriglio sauce and accompanied by lemon wedges. You can also present it on a bed of grilled vegetables or alongside a Mediterranean-inspired grain salad. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Grilled Halibut with Garlic Thyme Butter
Elevate your summer BBQs with a simple yet luxurious grilled halibut recipe that combines the classic flavors of garlic, thyme, and butter. This dish is perfect for those looking to impress their guests with a sophisticated yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
To make this delicious grilled halibut, you will need:
- 4-6 oz halibut fillets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 lemon, juiced
Making the Garlic Thyme Butter
Mix the minced garlic, melted butter, and fresh thyme leaves together in a small bowl. This mixture not only flavors the halibut but also helps keep it moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
Grilling Process
Preheat your grill to 375 degrees F. Place the halibut fillet in a shallow baking dish and pour the garlic thyme butter over it, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.Lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil to help prevent sticking. Grill the halibut for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Presentation Tips
Serve the grilled halibut hot with lemon wedges on a warmed platter. Garnish with fresh herbs to highlight the dish’s elegant simplicity. Consider pairing it with roasted asparagus or a light citrus salad to complement the buttery richness.
Perfect Side Dishes for Your Grilled Halibut Recipes
To complement the delicate flavor of grilled halibut, choose side dishes wisely. The right accompaniments can enhance the dining experience without overpowering the fish.
Vegetable Pairings
Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers pair well with halibut. Bright, acidic dishes such as tomato salads can cut through the richness of buttery halibut preparations.
Starch Accompaniments
For textural contrast, consider starch accompaniments like crispy roasted potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf. Mediterranean-inspired sides, such as orzo with lemon and herbs, complement the flavors used in halibut recipes.
Seasonal pairings like grilled corn in summer or roasted root vegetables in fall can also enhance your meal. Balancing flavours and textures is key to creating a complete meal around grilled halibut.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Summer BBQs with Grilled Halibut
Elevate your summer BBQs with the impressive and nutritious grilled halibut recipes. The three distinct recipes presented – Spiced Halibut with Paprika and Cumin, Howard’s Fresh Herbed Halibut, and Garlic Thyme Butter Halibut – offer unique flavor profiles that cater to different tastes. These quick and easy recipes are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. By mastering the art of grilling halibut, you can expand your culinary skills and impress your guests. Don’t forget to source sustainable halibut for a delicious and environmentally responsible meal.
