Ina Garten’s Grilled Halibut Recipe for Summer Nights

Grilled halibut transforms an ordinary seafood dinner into a spectacular culinary experience that promises tenderness and rich maritime flavors.

Ocean-fresh fish becomes a canvas for simple yet remarkable seasoning techniques that elevate its natural delicate profile.

The magic happens when careful preparation meets precise grilling temperatures, allowing the delicate protein to develop a golden, slightly crisp exterior.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that highlights the fish’s inherent smoothness.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between robust herbs and the halibut’s subtle, buttery texture.

Mastering this recipe means embracing simplicity while respecting ingredient integrity: your dinner awaits.

Grilled Halibut Summary

Grilled halibut emerges as nautical elegance on plates, promising Mediterranean-inspired culinary magic.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into ocean-kissed perfection with herbal butter magic.

Summer dinner dreams dance through delicate fish layers, welcoming sophisticated palates.

Herb-infused butter creates silky maritime experiences that whisper coastal sophistication.

Her technique guarantees restaurant-quality seafood without complicated preparations.

Passionate cooks, seasoned and curious alike, will adore this Mediterranean marvel – share this delightful recipe, comment with enthusiasm, and spark culinary conversations that celebrate ocean’s finest treasures.

Why Grilled Halibut Is a Dinner Upgrade

• Unlock Zesty Flavor Infusion: The herb-butter blend transforms ordinary halibut into a mouthwatering masterpiece, combining bright lemon, fragrant parsley, and delicate dill for an explosive taste experience.
• Master Quick Gourmet Grilling: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood in just 15 minutes, making sophisticated cooking accessible even for busy home chefs who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Perfectly Tender Seafood: The precise grilling method ensures halibut remains incredibly moist and flaky, creating a delicate texture that melts in your mouth while maintaining the fish's natural succulence.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner Game: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions turn an everyday meal into a gourmet delight, proving that elegant cooking doesn't require professional training or hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Grilled Halibut

• Halibut: Fresh, thick white fish with delicate flavor, perfect for grilling and holds seasoning well.

• Butter, Lemon Juice, Onion Powder, Parsley, Dill: Soft herbal mixture that enhances fish's natural taste and provides moisture during grilling.

• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance flavors, create caramelization, and add depth to the halibut's taste.

How to Grill Halibut Just Right

Step 1: Prepare The Grill

Heat outdoor grill to medium temperature between 350-375°F. Clean and lightly oil grate to prevent fish from sticking. Use vegetable or olive oil with a paper towel or brush.

Step 2: Create Herb Butter Mixture

• Softened butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Onion powder
• Chopped parsley
• Chopped dill
• Pinch of sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients until completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Season The Halibut

Pat halibut steaks dry with paper towels. Generously brush both sides of fish with prepared herb butter mixture. Let fish sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 4: Grill The Fish

Place halibut steaks onto preheated grill. Close grill lid and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Fish is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque white throughout. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Remove halibut from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with extra lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with fresh herbs or lemon wedges as garnish.

Tips for Moist, Flaky Halibut Results

• Prep Herbs with Purpose: Chop fresh herbs like parsley or dill finely to release maximum flavor and ensure even distribution across the halibut.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the halibut sit in the herb butter mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help the fish absorb the delicious seasonings.
• Control Moisture Magic: Pat the halibut completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to create a perfect sear and prevent steaming on the grill.
• Temperature Tracking Technique: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the fish reaches 145°F at its thickest point for perfect doneness.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the grilled halibut to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps the juices redistribute and keeps the fish tender and flaky.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Halibut

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in moisture and freshness by vacuum sealing leftover halibut. Remove all air to prevent freezer burn and preserve the delicate fish's texture. Press out excess air from the bag before sealing to maintain peak quality.
• Portioning: Divide leftover halibut into individual serving sizes before storing. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. This method allows you to thaw exactly what you need without compromising the entire batch.
• Cold Storage: Place grilled halibut in a shallow, airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to room temperature. Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture, keeping the fish away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Flavor Swaps for the Grilled Fish

• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean: Replace dill with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese to the butter mixture. Sprinkle some za'atar seasoning on the fish before grilling for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder into the butter blend. Serve with a quick remoulade sauce and garnish with chopped green onions for a bold, zesty seafood experience.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap butter with sesame oil and add grated ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Brush the halibut with a honey-mirin glaze during grilling for a sweet and savory finish.
• Coconut Lime Tropical Style: Incorporate coconut milk into the butter mixture and add fresh lime zest. Top with toasted coconut flakes after grilling and serve alongside a light mango salsa for a refreshing coastal-inspired dish.