– **Title**: Grilled Halibut
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. **Marinate the Halibut**: Place the halibut fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. **Preheat the Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. **Grill the Halibut**: Remove the halibut from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. **Serve**: Transfer the grilled halibut to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious grilled halibut!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Halibut: This white fish is mild-flavored and has a firm texture. If halibut isn’t accessible, you can substitute with sea bass, cod, or even tilapia. These options maintain a similar texture and cook well on the grill.
Olive Oil: A staple for grilling, olive oil keeps the fish moist. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can switch it up with avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and a mild taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder will do. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove you’re replacing. Fresh herbs like basil can also complement the garlic nicely.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice or even a splash of vinegar can work as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Fresh Herbs: I love garnishing with thyme, but you can also use parsley, dill, or even cilantro. If you’re tight on fresh herbs, sprinkle with dried herbs instead.
How Do I Grill Halibut Without It Sticking?
Grilling fish can be tricky because it tends to stick to the grill grates. To avoid this, make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled before adding the halibut.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Brush the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil (use tongs to hold it).
- Pat your halibut fillets dry; moisture can also cause sticking.
- Gently place the brushed fish on the grill and avoid moving it too soon; let it develop a good sear before flipping.
With these tips, your halibut should come off cleanly and beautifully grilled!
How to Make Grilled Halibut
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., microgreens, thyme)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled halibut recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll do a bit of mixing and brush the fish before grilling, which is super simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Grill:
First, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to get the grill nice and hot for those perfect grill marks and to cook the halibut evenly.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This mixture will add delicious flavor to your fish!
3. Prepare the Halibut:
Next, pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better. Now, brush the olive oil mixture evenly over both sides of the fish. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor!
4. Grill the Halibut:
Carefully place the halibut fillets on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you see nice grill marks and the fish lifts easily from the grill. Gently flip the fillets over and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. They’re done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.
5. Let It Rest and Garnish:
Once the halibut is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Finally, garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled halibut!
Can I Use Frozen Halibut for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the halibut completely before grilling. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or more quickly by placing the sealed filets in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before applying the olive oil mixture for the best grilling results.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute them with dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. However, for the best flavor, fresh herbs are always a wonderful choice!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or rubbing your halibut fillets with a bit of cayenne pepper before grilling. You can also serve your grilled halibut with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Halibut?
To store leftovers, let the halibut cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave or a pan over low heat to avoid drying it out.
