The mild, sweet flavor of halibut steak doesn’t need much enhancing, but it does lend itself to a flavorful sauce or dressing, such as this light and refreshing lemon and basil vinaigrette. Halibut steak is an ideal fish to grill because its firm flesh holds up well on the grill grates over high heat.
The halibut needs less than 10 minutes on the grill and is finished with a mixture of lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, capers, and green onion after it is cooked. The lemon adds brightness, the basil a wonderful earthy flavor, and the capers a nice touch of brine and salt.
Serve this grilled halibut with lemon-basil vinaigrette over a bed of couscous with grilled vegetables on the side. Other fish that would work well in this recipe include cod and wild striped bass.
How to make Grilled Halibut with Honey and Lemon
Grilled Halibut with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette 🔗
An easy Grilled Halibut recipe with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil or 3 teaspoons dried
- 2 teaspoons drained capers
- 4 5- to 6-ounce halibut steaks (about 3/4 inch thick)
Instruction:
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic cloves and grated lemon peel in small bowl to blend. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh basil and capers. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
- Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Season halibut steaks with salt and pepper. Brush fish with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette, dividing equally. Grill or broil halibut steaks until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plates. Rewhisk remaining vinaigrette; pour over fish. Garnish fish with remaining 1 tablespoon basil and serve.
FAQ
How do you grill halibut without drying it out?
The most traditional way to prepare halibut is to pan-fry a fillet and serve it with a simple sauce over a bed of greens.
Do you flip halibut when grilling?
Prepare the fish by placing the halibut fillet in a shallow baking dish. Season. Gently toss the fillet to ensure that all sides are evenly coated in the butter. Oil the grill. Wet a paper towel with cooking oil. Grill the halibut. Serve.
What flavors go well with halibut?
In order to determine how long to cook grilled halibut, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish; it should register 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes skin side up until grill marks form and the flesh starts to release from the grates. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes skin side up until flaky.