With just four simple ingredients, grilling halibut creates mouthwatering flavor with super simple prep (and it takes only 15 minutes!). Make this grilling recipe for your next cookout when you want to change things up from your usual burgers. And, if you want more grilled seafood, try my grilled tuna steak next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for grilling halibut what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Halibut Fillets – I use 1-inch thick fillets for grilling halibut. You can use halibut steak with or without skin, but I recommend skin-on to reduce the chance of overcooking or falling apart. Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Feel free to use any heat-safe oil you like, such as avocado oil. Lemon Juice – Infuses the fish with tangy flavor and tenderizes the flesh. You can try substituting lime juice or even a splash of white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor. Seasoning – Season this white fish with a simple combination of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
How To Grill Halibut
This section shows how to make halibut on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you like the lemon flavors, but prefer a dry seasoning, use 3-4 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning instead. For a spicy kick, try Cajun seasoning or a zesty jerk seasoning.
How Long To Grill Halibut?
Grill halibut for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are opaque, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees F.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover grilled halibut in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat: Drizzle with oil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, until warm. Alternatively, you could reheat halibut on the grill over indirect heat, preferably wrapped in foil. Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Complement the flavors of my grilled halibut with light and easy sides. Here are a few ideas: Grilling halibut is a delicate process that, if not done properly, can cause the fish to become dry or fall apart. Here are some tips to get that perfectly tender, buttery texture:
Oil the grill grates. Halibut can fall apart very easily on the grill. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly oil the grates of your grill, and don’t flip the fish until it easily releases from the grates. Start skin side down. If cooking halibut with skin, cook skin side down first. This will help protect the delicate flesh from overcooking and makes it easier to flip. Use a meat thermometer. Halibut dries out easily, so make sure to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. The ideal internal temp is 135-140 degrees F. Don’t overcook. A 1-inch filet should take about 8-10 minutes total, whereas a thinner filet may only take 6-8 minutes. As a rule of thumb, grill halibut for approximately 8-10 minutes per 1 inch of thickness over high heat (total time, not per side).
Find more tips for grilled fish in my grilled salmon recipe post.
Summer Salads – After grilling halibut, make an easy grilled peach salad. For a classic side salad, try a strawberry spinach salad or cucumber tomato salad. Grilled Sides – I like to do all my cooking in one place. This flaky fish pairs beautifully with bright grilled asparagus, grilled broccoli, or grilled cauliflower. For a side that has more unique vibes, try my cauliflower steaks. Rice – White or brown rice makes a classic pairing for any fish dinner. For a lighter option, make cauliflower rice. Creamy Salads – During grilling season, you can’t go wrong with classic summer sides like potato salad (or cauliflower potato salad), make-ahead coleslaw, or crunchy broccoli slaw. Veggies – For a simple side, make an eggplant recipe or a medly of sauteed vegetables. Or, use up your summer harvest and make roasted zucchini and squash.
More Grilled Seafood Recipes
I love seafood, and cooking it on the grill creates incredible flavor. Here are some of my favorite grilled seafood recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
