Halibut Recipes - Cooking Light

1404 Lemon-Artichoke Halibut en Papillote

Photo: Oxmoor House

The largest of the flatfish family, halibut is an ultra-lean fish with a tender texture that makes it the perfect go-to fish for grilling or sautéing. Avoid frozen halibut, as it tends to overcook and dry out. Shop for the more sustainable Pacific halibut, and forgo Atlantic-caught halibut when possible.

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Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

For a more budget-friendly option, try substituting a similarly textured fish, such as cod, for the halibut fillets.

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Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed

Seaweed goes well beyond sushi; here it gives a punch of savory crunch that balances that bright twang of lime and herbal fragrance of cilantro.

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Walnut-and Dijon-Crusted Halibut

Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Walnut-and Dijon-Crusted Halibut

We use crumbled nuts as a substitute for traditional wheat breadcrumbs in breading. They add more earthy flavor than plain breadcrumbs and achieve superior crispness without getting soggy. Recipe developer Robin Bashinsky, our resident nut whisperer, crushes nuts in a zip-top plastic bag instead of chopping them, this yields larger pieces without creating much fine powder. Those larger pieces give the nuts a chance to cook gently along with the food they're encrusting until they're toasty, golden, and crunchy (superfine pieces could burn and become bitter).

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Grilled Halibut with Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Grilled Halibut with Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Grilled Halibut with Tarragon Beurre Blanc is a delicious dinner option. The versatility of the buerre blanc—a hot butter sauce—allows it to pair easily with several types of fish, including tilapia and cod. Serve with Rosemary-Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus with Lemon and Pecorino.

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Coconut Curry Halibut

Photo: Jason Wallis

View Recipe: Coconut Curry Halibut

Homemade coconut curry gives fresh halibut an explosive amount of flavor.

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Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

Photo: Justin Walker

View Recipe: Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

Fresh fish, corn on the cob, and your favorite bacon create a flavorful combination. Applewood-smoked bacon offers more subtle flavor than hickory or mesquite and won't overwhelm the other ingredients. A spritz of fresh lime juice brings the flavors into perfect balance.

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Halibut and Shrimp with Minted Broth

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Halibut and Shrimp with Minted Broth

The fish fillets should fit rather snugly in the pot with enough room for some shrimp to slip between the crevices. The braising liquid blends chicken broth, white wine, and Thai green curry paste—available in most supermarkets these days.

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Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

Our Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous features briny kalamata olives, which add a salty punch. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-dish dinner will become a fast weeknight favorite.

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Halibut and Chorizo Stew with Garlic Toasts

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Halibut and Chorizo Stew with Garlic Toasts

Firm-fleshed halibut works best in this stew. Pair this dish with a side salad for a complete meal.

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Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks

These fish sticks are easy, kid-friendly and coated in crunchy panko breakcrumbs. Don't forget to serve with the dipping sauce and lemon wedges for a great weeknight dinner.

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Hazelnut-Crusted Halibut with Roasted Asparagus

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Hazelnut-Crusted Halibut with Roasted Asparagus

Fish is a great choice for quick dinners—most fillets cook to perfection in less than 10 minutes. You can use pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts in place of hazelnuts. To streamline prep and add a side, roast the asparagus together with Roasted Red Potatoes.

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Pan-Seared Halibut with Bell Pepper Relish

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Pan-Seared Halibut with Bell Pepper Relish

This vibrant pepper relish also works well with grilled chicken. Serve with a simple spinach salad.

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Chimichurri Halibut Tacos

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Chimichurri Halibut Tacos

Green-hued Chimichurri sauce is composed of parsley, oregano, cumin, and garlic and originated in Argentina. The blend of seasonings gives the halibut a distinct, bold taste.

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Poached Halibut with Lemon-Herb Sauce

Photo: Anna Williams

View Recipe: Poached Halibut with Lemon-Herb Sauce

Ready in less than 25 minutes, poaced halibut slathered with a jalapeño pepper and lemon-herb sauce creates a quick and delicious dish the whole family will enjoy.

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Sautéed Halibut with Romesco Sauce

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Sautéed Halibut with Romesco Sauce

Highlight the sweet and subtle flavor of halibut with a smoky homemade romesco sauce.

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Halibut à la Provençal over Mixed Greens

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Halibut à la Provençal over Mixed Greens

A gorgeous piece of fish is the star of this recipe. To brown the fish correctly, make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the halibut. Serve the fillets over a simple mixed green salad.

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Halibut with Leeks

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Halibut with Leeks

Raisins and vinegar lend sweet-tart appeal to a dish inspired by a classic Italian approach.

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Basil-Steamed Halibut with Lemon Crème Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Basil-Steamed Halibut with Lemon Crème Sauce

This recipe uses a quick, simple fish stock to make the sauce and steam the halibut. Ask your local fishmonger for white fish bones; darker, oil-rich fish offer a stronger flavor. It's important to thoroughly rinse fish bones and remove any blood before preparing the stock.

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Grilled Halibut with Peach and Pepper Salsa

Photo: Gentl and Hyers

View Recipe: Grilled Halibut with Peach and Pepper Salsa

A fresh fruit salsa makes a sweet side for grilled halibut in the summer. Here, seasonal peaches paired with a fiery habañero pepper produce a sweet-spicy flavor. Leave the juicy fruit unpeeled for more color and texture.

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Halibut with Lemon-Fennel Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut with Lemon-Fennel Salad

You'll love that this under-300 calorie halibut salad is both fast and filling.

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Halibut with Caper Salsa Verde

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut with Caper Salsa Verde

The robust salsa dominants this dish, and sweet and mellow roasted fennel makes a particularly fitting side.

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Pan-Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Pan-Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri

Tangy herb sauce over pan-grilled fresh fish makes an impressive 30-minute meal.

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Southwest Cilantro Fish Stew

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Southwestern Cilantro Fish Stew

This Southwestern-inspired fish stew features classic Mexican ingredients like fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños.

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Halibut with Spicy Mint-Cilantro Chutney

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut with Spicy Mint-Cilantro Chutney

Traditional Indian cuisine inspired this speedy menu. A fiery sauce accompanies fish coated in a fragrant spice blend.

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Halibut with Grilled Tomato and Olive Relish

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Halibut with Grilled Tomato and Olive Relish

Mild halibut pairs nicely with this tangy relish, starring tasty late-summer tomatoes.

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Halibut Sandwiches with Spicy Tartar Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut Sandwiches with Spicy Tartar Sauce

Substitute your favorite deli meat for fresh fish—a perfect lunch for a picnic. Add lettuce for extra crunch.

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Sautéed Halibut with Lemon-Pesto Butter

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Sautéed Halibut with Lemon-Pesto Butter

Make extra lemon-herb butter. It's delicious tossed with steamed green beans, hot cooked rice, or pasta. Garnish with fresh basil.

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Halibut Meunière

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut Meunière

Using a bit of salt to season the fish and a little more to boost the pan sauce heightens flavors without going overboard on sodium. A little lemon juice and fresh parsley round out the flavors.

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Grilled Halibut with Three-Pepper Relish

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Grilled Halibut with Three-Pepper Relish

Using three different colored peppers to prepare the relish results in a beautiful and impressive presentation for this grilled halibut dish.

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Halibut with Citrus-Fennel Relish

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Halibut with Citrus-Fennel Relish

This dish takes advantage of spring produce and fish. You can use just oranges or a combination of oranges and grapefruit. Blood oranges would also add fresh flavor.

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Halibut with Coconut-Red Curry Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut with Coconut-Red Curry Sauce

Serve this Thai-inspired halibut dish for a quick and easy dinner in minutes. Soak up the delectable coconut-red curry sauce with a side of seasoned rice and bok choy.

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Tomato-Based White Wine Fish Soup

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Tomato-Based White Wine Fish Soup

This fish soup features a tomato-and-white-wine base, chopped vegetables, shrimp, scallops, and halibut. Serve with dry, crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Fennel-Cured Halibut Gravlax

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Fennel-Cured Halibut Gravlax

Like salmon, the usual choice for this Swedish delicacy, cured halibut is delicious. Depending on the size of the fillets, you may use two to five pieces. Don't use one large fillet, as the salt cure will not seep evenly throughout the fish.

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Halibut with Persimmon Tomato and Dill Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Halibut with Persimmon Tomato and Dill Relish

If persimmon tomatoes are not available in your area, substitute another orange tomato variety, such as Valencia. This sweet-tart relish is as tasty with grilled chicken or pork as it is with fish.

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Halibut en Papillote with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Sweet Onions

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Halibut en Papillote with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Sweet Onions

The olive oil is infused with lemon flavor during cooking, which is then used in the dressing for the veggies. Cook the potatoes and green beans while the fish bakes.

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Blackened Halibut with Remoulade

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Blackened Halibut with Remoulade

A creamy mayonnaise-based sauce balances the highly seasoned halibut. If you can't find cornichons, substitute chopped dill pickle in the sauce.

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Steamed Halibut with Sesame-Lime Sauce and Coconut Rice

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Steamed Halibut with Sesame-Lime Sauce and Coconut Rice

Steamed halibut offers a clean, mild flavor that complements this pungent sauce. We used a bamboo steamer set over simmering water to cook the fish. It's helpful to lightly coat the bamboo with cooking spray before adding the fish.

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Poached Halibut with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Poached Halibut with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

This recipe uses court-bouillon, a flavorful broth often employed to poach fish and seafood. You can prepare the broth up to three days ahead, strain it, and reheat just before cooking the fish. Reheat the vegetable mixture by cooking it in the broth for a minute or two just before serving.

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Mediterranean Fish Stew

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Mediterranean Fish Stew

Firm-textured halibut stands up to quick simmering and still holds its shape. Serve with crusty French bread and a tossed green salad.

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Baja Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Mango, jalapeno, red onion, and lime combine for a simple salsa that tops lightly battered fried halibut fillets. Serve with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, or black beans.

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Halibut with White Beans in Tomato-Rosemary Broth

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Halibut with White Beans in Tomato-Rosemary Broth

Beans absorb some of the delicious broth. For a special dinner, serve in shallow rimmed bowls and top each serving with a fresh rosemary sprig.

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Cornflake-Crusted Halibut with Chile-Cilantro Aioli

View Recipe: Cornflake-Crusted Halibut with Chile-Cilantro Aioli

Our test kitchen loved this halibut dish with herbed garlic aioli so much that they gave it their highest rating. You'll love that it takes only 25 minutes to make.

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Garlic-and-Herb Oven-Fried Halibut

Photo: Beau Gustafson

View Recipe: Garlic-and-Herb Oven-Fried Halibut

A quick pan-fry adds a crispy coating to flavorful and light halibut fillets. This fish recipe mimics fried flavor without the added fat.

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Fish in Coconut Curry (Mtuzi wa Samaki)

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Fish in Coconut Curry (Mtuzi wa Samaki)

Tanzania sits at a crossroads in the spice trade routes from India. That's why Indian spices ended up in so many Tanzanian dishes like this fish curry. The dish originated in Zanzibar but is now enjoyed all over the eastern coast of Africa. Coconut milk enriches the curry and gives it a tropical flavor. Serve over boiled yuca, potatoes, or rice.

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Twisted Fish

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Twisted Fish

Cooking in parchment paper leaves you with food that is flavorful and tender. All you have to do is fill the pouch with your favorite fish—halibut, salmon, cod, or snapper—seasonal veggies, and seasonings, and twist the ends of the parchment. Presto! Dinner is served, and the kids—and adults—think it looks awesome.

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Pan-Fried Halibut with Cornichon Sauce

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Pan-Fried Halibut with Cornichon Sauce

Cornichon Sauce is an easy variation on classic tartar sauce and is also delicious on crab cakes and fish sandwiches. Cornichons are sour pickles that are made from tiny gherkin cucumbers. You can find them next to the pickles at your supermarket.

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Pistou Halibut

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Pistou Halibut

Like Italian pesto, French pistou (pee-TOO), is made of basil, garlic, and olive oil. Here we use pistou to season halibut, but it is also delicious when tossed with potatoes and pasta, so make an extra batch or two to freeze or keep on hand to use later in the week.

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Top Halibut Recipes

1 of 52

Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

2 of 52

Halibut Ceviche with Lime and Seaweed

3 of 52

Walnut-and Dijon-Crusted Halibut

4 of 52

Grilled Halibut with Tarragon Beurre Blanc

5 of 52

Coconut Curry Halibut

6 of 52

Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

7 of 52

Halibut and Shrimp with Minted Broth

8 of 52

Halibut with Olive and Bell Pepper Couscous

9 of 52

Halibut and Chorizo Stew with Garlic Toasts

10 of 52

Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks

11 of 52

Hazelnut-Crusted Halibut with Roasted Asparagus

12 of 52

Pan-Seared Halibut with Bell Pepper Relish

13 of 52

Chimichurri Halibut Tacos

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Poached Halibut with Lemon-Herb Sauce

15 of 52

Sautéed Halibut with Romesco Sauce

16 of 52

Halibut à la Provençal over Mixed Greens

17 of 52

Halibut with Leeks

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Basil-Steamed Halibut with Lemon Crème Sauce

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Grilled Halibut with Peach and Pepper Salsa

20 of 52

Halibut with Lemon-Fennel Salad

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Halibut with Caper Salsa Verde

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Pan-Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri

23 of 52

Southwest Cilantro Fish Stew

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Halibut with Spicy Mint-Cilantro Chutney

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Halibut with Grilled Tomato and Olive Relish

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Halibut Sandwiches with Spicy Tartar Sauce

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Sautéed Halibut with Lemon-Pesto Butter

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Halibut Meunière

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Grilled Halibut with Three-Pepper Relish

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Halibut with Citrus-Fennel Relish

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Halibut with Coconut-Red Curry Sauce

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Tomato-Based White Wine Fish Soup

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Fennel-Cured Halibut Gravlax

34 of 52

Halibut with Persimmon Tomato and Dill Relish

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Halibut en Papillote with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Sweet Onions

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Blackened Halibut with Remoulade

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Steamed Halibut with Sesame-Lime Sauce and Coconut Rice

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Poached Halibut with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

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Mediterranean Fish Stew