Zesty, buttery & packed full of flavor! This easy dish is perfect for grilling season and makes the best summertime dinner!
As the weather starts heating up, so does my need to grill! (Or should I say, my craving for grilled food does any way… 😉 ) Normally the grill intimidates the heck out of me, but not this year loves! Oh no, this year I’ve decided to FINALLY conquer that fear and become a grill master myself! (Or maybe more like an apprentice…we’ll start small.) And what a better way to do it than by cooking up a true favorite – grilled halibut with cilantro lime butter!
*Fun fact: When I was little and my family went out to a nice dinner I would always order halibut if I saw it on the menu… (Maybe I thought it was cool?? I really have no idea.) So to this day, every time I even hear the word “halibut” I’m always reminded of my childhood!😊
Anyways, onto the goods!
Ingredients for grilled halibut with cilantro lime butter
- Fresh halibut fillets: Look for fillets that are similiar in size and shape to ensure an even cooking time. (I try to look for ones that are a little wider and fat instead of long and thin.)
- Butter: Adds so much richness and flavor to your grilled halibut dish!
- Lime juice: Give your halibut fillets that much needed tang and really amps up it’s flavor. Look for limes that have a smooth skin and give in easily when you squeeze them. (That means they’re super juicy. 😉 ) Roll them on the counter before slicing them too to release all of their inner juices!
- Fresh cilantro: Adds freshness to your grilled halibut fillets and compliments the tang from your limes.
- Garlic: Chop your garlic cloves into larger pieces if you like big bold garlicky flavor. (If not, I would suggest mincing your garlic so it won’t overpower the delicate halibut fillets.)
- Paprika: It’s mild in flavor but helps to give your fillets a touch of color.
- Salt & pepper: Season with your raw halibut fillets VERY LIBERALLY with salt and pepper. (Fish loves salt so don’t be afraid to go for it!)
I always buy my halibut fillets (or any seafood for that matter) from my local Sprouts! All of their seafood is 100% sustainably sourced and their fisheries are committed to perserving the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. Which is definitely apparent through the quality of their fish because these halibut fillets are some of the best I’ve ever had!
How to grill fresh halibut fillets
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
- While the grill is heating, squeeze some lime juice over your fillets and liberally season them with salt & pepper.
- Once the grill is hot, spray it with non-stick cooking spray place your halibut fillets on the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for 4-5 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. (Internal temp should be 145 degrees)
- Remove your fillets from the rill and serve them with your cilantro lime butter.
Too intimidated to grill or don’t have the time? This halibut can easily be baked or pan seared too!
- How to bake halibut fillets: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Season your fillets with salt & pepper and place them in the dish. Then bake your fillets for 15-17 minutes or until the fish can easily be flaked with a fork.
- How to pan sear halibut fillets: Heat a large pan on the stove over medium high heat and season your fillets with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Then add your halibut fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
How to make the best cilantro lime butter for your grilled halibut
- Add your garlic and butter to a pan and saute them together until the butter has fully melted. (About 1-2 minutes.)
- Then add your lime juice and stir.
- Remove your pan from the heat and stir in your cilantro. (I would wait until right before serving to add your cilantro. If you add it too early it will start to turn a “mucky” brown color.)
- Serve your cilantro lime butter immediately over your halibut fillets and enjoy!
Side dish ideas for grilled halibut with cilantro lime butter
While there’s so many great options to serve with this grilled halibut dish, here are a few of my families favorites below:
- Grilled veggies: Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.
- Cilantro lime rice/cailiflower rice
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Grilled corn/corn on the cob
- Summer corn salad with avocado
- Black bean, mango & avocado salad
- Summer peach & blueberry kale salad
I hope you all enjoy this easy grilled halibut recipe and are getting so excited for summer!
More recipes you might like:
- Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce
- Sugar Spiced Salmon
- Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Sauce
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad
[Made one of my recipes? Make sure to tag my social media @kalefornia_kravings – I love seeing what you create!]
Easy Grilled Halibut with Cilantro Lime Butter
Ingredients
- 4 fresh halibut fillets
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ⅛ tsp salt
- Paprika, to taste
- Fresh cracked salt & pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat. While the grill is heating, squeeze some lime juice over your halibut fillets and liberally season them with salt & pepper.
- Once the grill is hot, spray it with non-stick cooking spray and place your fillets on the grill. Close the lid and let them cook for 4-5 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. (Internal temp should be 145 degrees)
- Remove your fillets from the grill and place them on a serving plate.
- Next, add your butter and garlic to a pan and heat them together until the butter has melted. (About 2 minutes) Add your lime juice and stir. Then take the pan off the stove and stir in your cilantro.
- Drizzle your cilantro lime butter over your halibut fillets and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
[Made one of my recipes? Make sure to tag my social media @kalefornia_kravings – I love seeing what you create!]
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