How to Grill Halibut Steak

Grilling is a healthy way to prepare halibut steak.

Halibut is a member of the flatfish species and is found in the cold waters of the Northern Pacific and Northern Atlantic. Halibut is a mild-tasting fish with flaky, white meat that is available year-round. Regular consumption of halibut provides Omega-3 fatty acids, which has many protective health benefits, including promoting a healthy heart and brain, lowering blood pressure and is helpful in preventing arthritis, according to Washington State Department of Health. The advantages of grilling halibut steak is that the fish cooks quickly, while retaining its color, flavor and texture without drying it out.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Small knife
• Vegetable brush
• Vegetable oil
• Spatula
• Lemon slices

Instructions

1. Purchase a halibut steak between 1/4 and 1 inch thick from a fish market or the fresh fish department at your grocery store. Look for a halibut steak with a firm body and wet appearance that doesn't smell "fishy."

2. Turn on your grill and preheat it for 15 minutes.

3. Use a small knife to make shallow slices across the grain of the halibut steak. Place the halibut steak in a shallow dish and brush it with olive oil or melted butter. Season with pepper and salt. Allow the halibut steak to marinate in the olive oil or melted butter while the grill heats.

4. Brush the grill grates generously with vegetable oil to ensure that the halibut steak doesn't stick to the grill. Place the halibut steak on the grill skin-side up for six minutes. Use a spatula to gently rotate it 90 degrees to make cross-marks on the halibut steak's skin. Turn the halibut steak over, baste with melted butter and cook for another four minutes. Turn the halibut over only once during cooking.

5. Remove from the grill when the halibut steak has become opaque in the middle and the meat flakes easily with a fork, usually after eight to 10 minutes. Serve the halibut steak immediately with slices of lemon.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying frozen halibut steaks, poke the frozen fish with your finger. If it makes an indentation, it means it's not fresh and shouldn't be purchased.

References

• Washington State Department of Health: Health Benefits of Fish
• Cooks Recipes: Grilled Halibut Steak
• Professor's House: Cooking Halibut
• The Leaf Chronicle: Grilling Fish Made Easy

Resources

• Recipe Bridge: 160 Grilled Halibut Recipes