Description

This grilled halibut recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare fresh halibut fillets. Marinated with a buttery mixture of honey, garlic, and lemon zest, the fish is grilled to perfection with a tender, flaky texture and a deliciously balanced savory and sweet taste. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a perfect dish for a healthy, elegant seafood meal.

Ingredients

Halibut

1 pound fresh halibut fillets
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Butter Mixture

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs
Lemon wedges

Grill Preparation

Neutral oil (such as avocado or canola) for brushing grill grates

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Instructions

Bring Halibut to Room Temperature: Remove the halibut from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow even cooking and enhance flavor absorption.
Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375 degrees F, or heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking.
Season the Halibut: Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels, then sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper evenly on both sides to season the fish.
Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, grated garlic, and lemon zest; whisk thoroughly to blend the flavors.
Apply Butter Mixture: Brush the buttery mixture generously over both sides of the halibut fillets to impart moisture and flavor.
Oil Grill Grates: Brush the grill grates lightly with a neutral oil like avocado or canola to prevent the fish from sticking during cooking.
Grill the Halibut: Place the fillets on the hot grill and close the cover; cook undisturbed for 6 minutes to sear the fish and lock in juices.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn the fillets over carefully and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and optional chopped herbs for enhanced zest and presentation.

Notes

Allowing the fish to come to room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Use a grill brush oil to reduce the chance of the delicate fish sticking to the grill grates.
Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures safe doneness without overcooking.
Optional fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a fresh flavor contrast when garnishing.
If grilling indoors, a grill pan can be used over medium-high heat as a good alternative.