There’s something magical about grilling fish, especially when it’s halibut. It’s one of those fish that’s firm yet delicate, meaty yet light—perfect for a quick summer meal or a fancy dinner party. If you haven’t yet experienced the joys of perfectly grilled halibut, you’re in for a treat! The grill gives the fish a smoky char while locking in its natural flavors, making it juicy, flaky, and oh-so-delicious.
Grilling halibut is all about simplicity, letting the fish shine with minimal seasoning. A splash of olive oil, a hint of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs is all you need to elevate this fish to restaurant-quality status. And the best part? It takes just minutes to cook! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and will have you feeling like a pro.
I love pairing grilled halibut with a light salad or grilled veggies—it’s healthy, flavorful, and feels like summer on a plate. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to in our household. It’s one of those dishes that impresses guests but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Grilled Halibut: Simple and Flavorful
Halibut is one of those fish that does well on the grill because it holds its shape, and its mild flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of marinades. This grilled halibut recipe is all about simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s fresh, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Why this recipe works? The grill adds a perfect smoky char, while the olive oil, lemon, and herbs enhance the natural flavor of the fish. You’ll get a tender, flaky texture with just the right amount of zest and seasoning, making this a dish that’s hard to resist.
A Family Favorite at Our House
When I first made this grilled halibut, I was a little nervous. My husband and kids aren’t always keen on fish, but the moment that charred, lemony aroma filled the kitchen, they were intrigued. After one bite, they were hooked! Now, whenever we fire up the grill, it’s a family request. I love that it’s a meal that brings everyone together, whether we’re eating outdoors on a summer evening or enjoying it as part of a cozy indoor dinner.
It’s become our go-to for special occasions—Father’s Day, birthday dinners, or just a casual Saturday night. There’s something about the simplicity of the recipe combined with the elegance of the presentation that makes it feel like a celebration every time. And the best part? It’s healthy, light, and packed with flavor.
Why This Grilled Halibut Recipe?
There are countless reasons to love this recipe, but here are the top ones:
- Quick and Easy: This is a fast, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients; just high-quality fish, olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
- Perfect for Grilling: Halibut is firm enough to stay intact on the grill but still has a delicate, flaky texture.
- Healthy and Light: Halibut is a lean fish that’s rich in omega-3s and low in fat, making it a nutritious choice.
- Versatile: Pair it with grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or even a simple rice dish for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Oil the Grill: To prevent the fish from sticking, make sure the grill grates are well-oiled before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Halibut can become dry if overcooked. Aim for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the fillets in the olive oil mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Fish Alternatives: If you don’t have halibut, you can use other firm white fish like cod, mahi-mahi, or even swordfish.
- Herb Swaps: No thyme? No problem! Try rosemary, dill, or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Butter Finish: For an indulgent twist, brush the fish with melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Low-Fat: Halibut is already a low-fat fish, but you can reduce the olive oil in the recipe for an even lighter version.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly, but you can add more healthy fats by serving it with an avocado salad or a creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free as written, so it’s great for anyone avoiding gluten.
And there you have it!
Grilled halibut at its finest—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Let us know how yours turns out, and be sure to try it with different sides and sauces for endless variations. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen halibut for grilling?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling.
- What’s the best way to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill?
- Oil the grill grates well and make sure the fish is dry before placing it on the grill.
- Can I cook this indoors if I don’t have a grill?
- Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broil the fillets in the oven for similar results.
- How do I know when the halibut is cooked through?
- The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
- Can I marinate the fish overnight?
- It’s best to marinate the fish for up to 30 minutes. Any longer, and the lemon juice might start to “cook” the fish.
- What sides go well with grilled halibut?
- Grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a simple rice pilaf are great options.
Perfect Grilled Halibut
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
There’s something magical about grilling fish, especially when it’s halibut. It’s one of those fish that’s firm yet delicate, meaty yet light—perfect for a quick summer meal or a fancy dinner party.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh halibut fillets
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
optional to serve – additional chopped fresh herbs, lemon wedges
Instructions
Remove the halibut from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375 degrees F), or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Pat the halibut dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt and pepper across both sides of the halibut fillets.
Combine the melted butter, honey, grated garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
Brush the butter mixture over both sides of the halibut fillets.
Brush the grill grates with some neutral oil (like avocado or canola) so the fish doesn’t stick.
Place the fish fillet(s) on the grill and close the grill cover. Allow to cook for 6 minutes.
Flip the fillet(s) over and allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish flakes apart with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
Serve immediately with some fresh lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 167mg
