Best Way to Cook Halibut – We Tried 5 Methods

If you’re looking for the best way to cook halibut, you’ve come to the right place! This delectable fish has a mild taste and meaty texture perfect for seafood newbies interested in trying a fish dish.

Halibut is an easy protein to prepare and bodes well under many cooking methods. If you’re new to this prized and succulent fish, this guide will show you how to cook halibut best.

5 Best Ways to Cook Halibut

Try out these best cooking techniques for halibut!

1. Grilling

Halibut is one of the best fish to grill. The direct exposure to an open flame imparts a delightful smokiness and caramelization to the surface of the halibut, elevating its taste and texture. The high heat quickly seals in the moisture, keeping the fish tender and juicy while creating a slightly crisp exterior.

Additionally, grilling allows for versatile seasoning, enabling the halibut to be infused with various herbs, spices, and marinades, further enriching its taste profile.

Lemon garlic halibut is a crowd favorite. You can also whip up a refreshing mango salad for a hot summer day.

2. Baking

Baking preserves this exceptional fish's natural flavors and moisture. The oven's even heat distribution ensures gentle cooking, allowing the halibut to maintain its delicate texture and subtle taste.

Furthermore, baking is a fuss-free technique that requires minimal hands-on time, making it accessible to both experienced and novice cooks.

Baking is convenient and reliable, retaining the fish’s essential qualities and providing a delightful culinary experience.

You can throw together a simple baked halibut with lemon and herbs or experiment with texture by creating a panko crust.

3. Pan-Searing

Pan-searing is one of the best cooking techniques for halibut as it creates a beautifully seared crust that locks in the fish's succulence and imparts a delightful texture. The high heat from the pan quickly caramelizes the surface of the halibut, enhancing its natural flavors and giving it a pleasing crispiness.

This method allows for precise control over the cooking process, ensuring that the halibut remains tender and moist inside while achieving a golden-brown exterior. Additionally, pan-searing is a swift technique, making it a go-to option for those seeking a delicious, restaurant-quality meal within a short timeframe.

Pan-searing halibut is so simple that you can do it with just four ingredients – the fillet, garlic salt, butter, and herbs!

4. Steaming

Steaming preserves the fish's natural flavors, nutrients, and delicate texture. This gentle cooking technique exposes the halibut to a controlled, moist heat, retaining its inherent juiciness without additional fats or oils.

Steaming ensures that the halibut remains tender and flaky while preventing the loss of vital nutrients that can occur with other cooking methods.

Pair your steamed halibut with ginger and soy sauce for a healthy and delicious burst of flavor.

5. Poaching

Poaching is a gentle and precise approach that preserves the fish's delicate flavor and texture. In the poaching process, halibut is submerged in a flavorful liquid, typically a broth or aromatic infusion, and cooked at a low and consistent temperature.

This method ensures that the halibut absorbs the essence of the liquid, enhancing its taste without overpowering it. The low heat prevents overcooking, resulting in a tender, moist, and subtly flavored halibut.

There are many ways to poach halibut – in a Japanese style with dashi broth, Mediterranean style with capers, grated garlic, and lemon juice, Middle Eastern style with lots of chili, and in a simple olive oil mixture.

Summary

Halibut lends itself well to many cooking methods, but the best way to cook halibut ultimately depends on your culinary preferences. If you prefer something quick, pan-searing is the way to go. On the other hand, health-conscious foodies who prefer to forego fat and oils can try searing the fish.

Whatever you prefer, our wild-caught Alaskan halibut is the first step in your halibut-centric culinary journey. We deliver this lean, premium whitefish directly to your doorstep, fresh out of Alaskan waters.