As the weather gets warmer, grilling becomes a go-to method for cooking. And one of the best things to grill is Halibut!
This mild, flaky fish is versatile, easy to cook, and pairs well with a variety of flavors. Not sure what to serve with your grilled halibut?
Today I will guide you with 41 of the best dishes to try. So, be ready to give your guest a wow effect at your next gathering.
A Quick solution for what to serve with grilled halibut - Grilled Vegetables, Potatoes, Salad, Couscous, Quinoa Salad, Corn on the cob, Caprese salad, Fruit salad, Cucumber salad, Pasta salad, Baked beans, Cole slaw, Green Goddess dressing, Raspberry vinaigrette, Barbecue sauce, Tzatziki sauce, Lemon butter sauce, Lemon Basil Butter, Grilled Halibut Tacos with Mango Salsa, Cherry Tomato Relish, Grilled Halibut Steaks with Herb Vinaigrette, Peach Salsa, Avocado Salsa, and more.
Best side dishes to serve with grilled halibut
1. Grilled Vegetables
One of the best things about grilled halibut is that it pairs nicely with a variety of different vegetables.
A light and flavorful option would be to brush some of your favorite vegetables—like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or onions—with olive oil and grill them until they’re tender-crisp.
You can also add some garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes are a great way to round out your meal. They’re hearty and filling but still light enough to not overpower the delicate flavors of the fish.
However, Roasted potatoes are always a hit, but you could also try boiled potatoes tossed in butter and herbs or mashed potatoes topped with cheese and chives.
3. Salad
A fresh salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled halibut.
You could go classic with a green salad topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and an olive oil vinaigrette, or get inventive by adding corn kernels or roasted peppers for an added crunchy texture.
Or you could try a fruit-filled salad like this one: mix together diced peaches and mangoes in a bowl, then top them off with thinly sliced red onion, arugula leaves (or spinach), feta cheese crumbles (or goat cheese), chopped walnuts (or almonds), pepper flakes (optional)and an orange juice-honey vinaigrette dressing for an extra zing of flavor!
4. Couscous
Couscous is a light grain that pairs well with grilled halibut because its flavor doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish.
Try making couscous with chopped vegetables and herbs for extra flavor. You can also add olives or feta cheese for an extra dose of Mediterranean flair.
5. Quinoa salad
This light and healthy salad are perfect for a summer BBQ.
It’s full of nutritious ingredients like quinoa, kale, and cherry tomatoes, and it can be made ahead of time so you can enjoy the gathering instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
6. Corn on the cob
A classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled halibut. Pro tip: soak your corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from drying out.
8. Caprese salad
This simple salad is always a hit at summer gatherings. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
9. Fruit salad
I always choose this refreshing and colorful side that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor and nutrition, and consider adding a little bit of lime juice or mint leaves to give the salad some extra zing.
10. Cucumber salad
This cooling salad is a great way to balance out richer dishes like grilled halibut. Simply slice up some cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill, then dress the salad with vinegar, olive oil, and salt to taste.
11. Pasta salad
Pasta salads are always a crowd-pleaser, and there are endless ways to make them.
For a summery twist on the classic dish, try using whole wheat pasta and adding in some seasonal vegetables like zucchini or yellow squash.
12. Baked beans
A must-have at any BBQ! You can make your own baked beans from scratch or simply heat up a can of pre-made beans on the stovetop—either way, they’ll be delicious paired with grilled halibut.
13. Cole slaw
Another classic BBQ side that’s super easy to make ahead of time. You just simply mix together shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix), mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste—that’s it!
14 . Green Goddess dressing
This flavorful dressing is perfect for dipping grilled halibut or as a dressing for salads or vegetables.
It’s made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, parsley, chives, tarragon, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.
15 .Raspberry vinaigrette
This sweet and tangy dressing is lovely drizzled over grilled halibut or used as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.
To make it, simply whisk together raspberry jam, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
16. Barbecue sauce
Whether you prefer store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce, it’s always good to have some on hand when you’re grilling out.
It’s delicious brushed over grilled halibut or used as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
17. Tzatziki sauce
This cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce is traditionally served with Greek dishes like Souvlaki, but it pairs just as well with grilled seafood like halibut.
To make it, simply mix together plain yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, dill weed, salt, and pepper.
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18 . Lemon butter sauce
My favorite this rich sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled halibut or other seafood dishes. It’s made by whisking together lemon juice, butter, garlic cloves, parsley salt, and pepper until smooth.
19. Grilled Halibut with Lemon Basil Butter
This recipe from Food & Wine is healthy and flavorful. The lemon basil butter adds a bright pop of flavor to your fish.
20. Grilled Halibut Tacos with Mango Salsa
These tacos from Cooking Light are perfect for your summertime meal. The mango salsa adds a sweet and juicy element to the dish.
21. Grilled Halibut with Cherry Tomato Relish
This recipe from Bon Appétit is fresh and light. The cherry tomato relish is a delicious topping for fish.
22. Grilled Halibut Steaks with Herb Vinaigrette
This dish from Martha Stewart is simple but elegant. The herb vinaigrette adds a touch of flavor without overpowering the fish.
23. Grilled Halibut with Peach Salsa
This recipe from My Recipes is sweet and savory. The peach salsa is a perfect complement to the grilled fish.
24. Grilled Halibut with Avocado Salsa
This dish from Eating Well is healthy and flavorful. The avocado salsa adds creaminess and acidity to the fish.
25. Grilled Halibut Sandwiches with Tartar Sauce
These sandwiches from Real Simple are easy to make and perfect for a summertime lunch or dinner. The tartar sauce adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
26. Grilled Halibut with Watermelon Salsa
This recipe from Epicurious is refreshing and vibrant. The watermelon salsa is a delicious way to enjoy grilled halibut in the summertime heat.
27. Ginger-Marinated Grilled Halibut
This dish from Saveur has an Asian-inspired flair. The ginger-marinated halibut is delicious and unique.
28. Grilled Peach and Corn Salsa
A perfect combination of sweet, juicy peaches with charred corn, poblano peppers, and cilantro creates a delicious salsa that goes well with grilled halibut.
29. Grilled Tomato-Basil Vinaigrette
This simple vinaigrette is a great way to add bold flavor to your grilled fish dish. It’s made up of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red wine vinegar, all blended together in a food processor for an unbeatable flavor combination.
30. Potato Salad
Everyone loves potato salad! For an extra coating of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like dill or chives to the mix. Serve alongside grilled halibut for a balanced meal.
31. Grilled Asparagus
Fire up the grill and cook some asparagus to serve on the side of your halibut dish. Simply season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you’ve got yourself a delicious accompaniment!
32. Olive Tapenade
Whip up a tasty tapenade made from olives, capers, garlic, and herbs for an easy but impressive side dish that eat with grilled halibut. Serve it over crostini or crackers for dipping!
33. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
This rich sauce is full of flavor thanks to roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic blended together in a food processor. Serve it over grilled halibut for an impressive presentation.
34. Grilled Zucchini
Marinate slices of zucchini in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling for an extra flavor boost. Serve with grilled halibut for a complete meal that’s sure to please your crowd!
35. Ratatouille
This classic French dish is easy to prepare and goes perfectly with grilled halibut. It’s made up of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and onions cooked together in a flavorful tomato sauce.
36. Sautéed Spinach
Prepare this simple side dish by sauteeing fresh spinach in olive oil and garlic until wilted but still vibrant green. Serve with grilled halibut for a nutritious and delicious meal.
37. Grilled Corn Salad
Charred corn adds depth of flavor to this summery salad made up of tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, and cilantro. Toss it together with a light vinaigrette for an easy but flavorful side dish.
38. Roasted Broccoli
Give broccoli some extra flavor by roasting it with garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese before serving it alongside grilled halibut.
39. Tangy Slaw
A zesty slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, apples, and a creamy yogurt dressing adds a fresh crunch to any fish dish.
40. Green Bean Salad
This vibrant salad is bursting with flavor thanks to green beans, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed together in a light vinaigrette. Serve with grilled halibut for an unforgettable meal!
41. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Add some sweetness to your grilled halibut dish by serving it with this tropical salsa made of juicy pineapple, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. It’s sure to be the star of the show!
How do you jazz up a grilled halibut?
Grilled halibut is a wonderful fish to jazz up with your favorite flavors and ingredients. To start, brush the halibut with oil or melted butter, then season it generously with salt and pepper.
You can then add additional flavorings like garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, or herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
If you are looking for an extra layer of flavor, you can also try marinating your fish in a mixture of olive oil and citrus juices prior to grilling.
Finally, finish off your grilled halibut by topping it off with a sauce such as tzatziki, salsa verde, or pesto before serving!
What are the best flavors to go with grilled halibut?
The best flavors for grilled halibut are light and bright. Some of the most popular flavor combinations include lemon and thyme, garlic and paprika, or dill and capers.
Other great options are cilantro and lime, basil and olive oil, mustard and honey, or white wine and butter.
Each of these flavors will bring out the delicate taste of the fish without overpowering it. For more creative ideas, try seasoning the fish with zesty spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
Additionally, you can marinate the halibut in fruit juices such as orange juice or pineapple juice before grilling to give it a delicious sweet-tangy twist!
FAQs on what to serve with grilled halibut
Q1. Do you serve halibut skin?
No, we do not serve halibut skin. We offer several other seafood dishes that feature halibut as the main ingredient. For instance, our halibut cheeks and tacos are particularly popular. Our chefs also prepare a number of delicious entrées that feature halibut as the star of the plate.
Some of these dishes include grilled halibut with garlic butter sauce, pan-seared halibut with capers, and poached halibut in white wine. If you’re looking for something lighter, we have several salads featuring fresh chunks of halibut combined with vegetables and herbs.
No matter what type of fish dish you desire, chances are we can make it using our high-quality halibut! Stop by today to experience all the deliciousness our menu has to offer.
Q2. Which spice is best for grilled halibut?
The best spice for grilled halibut is a combination of garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also sprinkle paprika, oregano, or cumin on the fish to give it an even more flavorful kick.
Experiment with different mixtures until you find one that your tastebuds love! For added texture and flavor, try adding chopped nuts or herbs like parsley or rosemary before cooking. If you’re searching for something a little more exotic, consider using turmeric or fennel seed as well.
Whatever you choose, make sure to apply these spices generously to ensure maximum flavor in every bite of your delicious grilled halibut!
Q3. Should I rinse halibut before cooking?
It is recommended to rinse halibut before cooking in order to remove any dirt, residue, or other contaminants that may be present. Rinsing the fish will also help to remove any unpleasant odors or flavors.
When rinsing, use cold water and gently rub the surface of the fish with your fingers. Do not use soap, as this can make the fish taste soapy and could ruin the flavor.
After rinsing, be sure to thoroughly dry the halibut with a paper towel before cooking. This will help ensure that you don’t end up with a soggy fish dish!
