Halibut lives in the north of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and is known for its fresh, mild flavor. It has a very firm, low-fat pulp, and a flavor that can be easily accentuated with a light dressing or sauce. The most popular cooking methods for this fish are grilling, baking or marinating. Read on to find out how to make your halibut special.
Ingrediants
First Method: Grilled Halibut on the Barbecue or in the Oven
- Halibut fillets
- Extra virgin olive oil or butter
- Minced garlic
- Salt and Pepper To Taste.
- Lemon wedges
Second Method: Halibut Ceviche
- 450 g of halibut cut into 1 cm cubes
- 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
- 3 tablespoons of Lime juice (45 ml)
- 2 Ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
- 100 g of Tomatillos cut into cubes
- 40 g of chopped onion
- 1 Jalapeño pepper, stalked, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
Steps
Method 1 of 3: How to Choose and Prepare Halibut
Step 1. Choose a good looking halibut fillet
The pulp must be translucent, white and shiny and to the touch it must have an elastic consistency. Avoid buying fish that appears blotchy, discolored or dull.
Step 2. Keep the fish moist at all times
Halibut is a very lean fish, which tends to dry out quickly during the cooking process. To avoid this, before cooking, sprinkle both sides with extra virgin olive oil or butter, using a kitchen brush. If you wish, you can marinate your halibut with oil or a marinade of your choice, prepare it a few hours in advance of cooking.
Step 3. Do not overly disturb the cooking fish
Limit yourself to turning it once, halfway through cooking. You will prevent it from breaking and you will contribute to even cooking. Move it with a kitchen spatula to make sure you don't break the fillet.
Step 4. Season it in moderation
The flavor of the halibut is delicate and light, and it is important not to use condiments that can cover the natural flavor of the fish. Avoid very strong spices or very thick sauces. Prefer a light sauce or marinade that matches the flavor of the fish.
Method 2 of 3: First Method: Barbecued or Baked Halibut
Step 1. Turn on the oven grill
If you prefer to grill halibut, turn on the barbecue. Make sure both are hot before you start cooking.
Step 2. Arrange the halibut fillets on a glass or metal baking sheet, skin side down
If you use the barbecue, place them directly on the grill.
Step 3. Brush the fillets with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
If desired, season the butter with a teaspoon or two of minced garlic.
Step 4. Season the halibut with salt and pepper to your taste
Step 5. Cook the fish for about 10 minutes
Check the doneness with a fork and serve it accompanied with lemon cut into wedges.
- When the halibut is cooked it will fall apart easily at the touch of a fork. If it were still raw, however, it will have a firm and fleshy pulp.
- Cook the halibut taking care not to let it dry and paying close attention to the cooking time. If you grill halibut, allow for 10 minutes of cooking time for every 2.5cm of thickness.
Method 3 of 3: Second Method: Halibut Ceviche
Step 1. Take a medium-sized bowl and pour in the fish cubes
Step 2. Season with salt and mix to distribute it evenly
Step 3. Add the lime juice and mix to combine the ingredients
Step 4. Marinate the fish
After 30 minutes, the pulp should appear opaque, if it is still translucent, extend the marinating time by another 15 minutes.
Step 5. At this point, add the avocados, tomatillos, onion, jalapeños and extra virgin olive oil
Stir to season evenly and serve the halibut with some corn chips.
Advice
- Try making some halibut cutlets or baking them. In both cases, allow a cooking time of 6-7 minutes per side and keep it in sight to avoid overcooking it.
- If you are in the United States and want to buy halibut, you prefer the one from the Pacific, the one caught in the Atlantic has been overfished and is about to become extinct. Even if you're on the east coast of the United States, opting for a Pacific halibut is the greener choice.
