Halibut is a mild and delicious type of whitefish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can find both steaks and filets available, and the two cuts are very different. Making the most of your premium Halibut steaks takes a little care and attention to ensure flaky and tender results.
There are many options for adding sauces, toppings, and flavorings to get exactly the results you want. Start by deciding on the best cooking method for your steaks based on the equipment you have on hand.
What is Halibut Steak?
You may already enjoy halibut filets. These long pieces of fish are cut from the sides of the halibut. If the body of the cleaned fish is sliced perpendicular to the spine instead, the resulting cuts of meat are known as halibut steaks.
They’re meaty, easy to cook, and tend to offer a slightly greater depth of flavor than filets. It’s also easier to keep them from getting too dry along the edges thanks to the even thickness. Each steak is a good size for a single serving, making it easy to plan out a dinner party. It’s a more accessible and affordable option than something exotic like swordfish steaks.
Tips for the Best Halibut Steak
- Start with fresh, cleanly cut halibut steaks. Look for firm, slightly moist, light colored flesh and shiny skin.
- Remove the skin if you don’t enjoy the texture of it after cooking. You can also trim out any remaining bones or leave them in for a richer flavor.
- Consider brining the halibut steaks. Use 1/8th cup of Kosher salt and 1/8th cup of brown sugar in ½ gallon of water for a mild brine that leads to a firmer cooked texture.
- Avoid rinsing the halibut steaks before cooking. If you want to dry the surface to apply spices, just dab with a paper towel.
- Halibut is a little too tender to handle extensive flipping or moving between the pan and the grill when cooking. Sear the fish in place for the best results.
Different Methods of Cooking Halibut Steak
Halibut is firm enough to handle grilling, but it won’t dry out when baked with a little extra liquid added in. Choose one of these recommended cooking methods for good results.
Grilled Halibut Steak
The grill will cook your halibut steaks quickly, so be prepared to move with the tongs once they’re on the grates. Using a basting mixture with butter, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar adds flavor while also keeping the fish from sticking or losing moisture. Use a medium-high heat level and a spot on the grates that provides indirect heat.
Oil your grates well and you can place the halibut steaks directly on them. Cook each steak for around 5 minutes per side, basting twice, and then serve immediately. Learning how to cook halibut steak on the grill is largely a matter of practice, so pick a few extras in case your first attempts get a little darker than you prefer.
Pan Seared Halibut Steak
For a good sear without running the risk of toughening the meat, start out with a relatively high level of heat. Use a tablespoon of oil in a saucepan, preferably a thinner steel or copper pan that doesn’t hold too much heat in the bottom. Cast iron pans can burn halibut rather than sear it. Add seasonings directly to the fish, then cook at medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side.
Lower the heat level to medium and cook another 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly flaking at the touch of a fork. Drop the heat again to low and add a pat of butter to the top of each halibut steak. Cover the pan so the butter can melt, then serve the fish immediately.
Oven Baked Halibut Steak
Baking is a classic way to cook halibut filets without overcooking them. It also works well for steaks but with some adjustments. First, cook the steaks in a 450 degree F oven in a greased glass baking dish. Cook the halibut for around 15 minutes, giving it longer if the fish isn’t flaking easily with a fork yet
You can add seasonings or sauces at the beginning of the baking period or towards the end. If you’re not adding a sauce before you bake the fish, consider pouring a little chicken stock or other flavored liquid in the bottom of the dish to braise the fish rather than roasting it. This is particularly helpful for thicker halibut steaks that will need 15 minutes or more in the oven.
Air Fryer Halibut Steak
Air frying the halibut steaks is not only a quick way to get them cooked, but it also adds a crispy texture to the surface that many people find irresistible. Watch out for overcooking because this cooking method can leave the steaks on the tougher side with a margin of error of just a few minutes.
While you can bread halibut filets that are going in the air fryer, you’ll get better results with a dry rub for the thicker steaks. Add some olive oil when applying the rub and then place the halibut steaks in the air fryer basket with a gap between them. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes at 350 degrees F, checking every 2 minutes after that. Avoid flipping the fish since it’s likely to fall apart in the process.
Flavoring Options for Halibut Steak
Cajun seasoning is a classic pairing with a mild white fish like halibut, as is the combination of lemon and pepper. If you just use salt and pepper on the fish itself, you can always top it with a classic Hollandaise sauce or other rich and creamy pairing. Experiment with your favorite rubs for ribs, barbecue, chicken, and pork to see what works well with fish. Classic fresh herb flavoring options include dill, rosemary, basil, and thyme.
What to Serve with Halibut Steak
Halibut goes well with the classic seafood dinner side dishes like roasted potatoes, hush puppies, and corn on the cob. It’s also a popular type of fish to pair with cheese grits or creamy polenta. Don’t be afraid to use leftover halibut steaks for dishes like fish tacos or whitefish dip. Just make sure to debone the fish if necessary before reusing it in other meals.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a steak that isn’t considered a form of red meat, consider giving halibut a try. It’s a great option even for people who don’t usually eat a lot of fish or seafood as part of their regular diet. The protein and Omega 3 fatty acids in this healthy dinner option will have you feeling great. Build your skills at cooking fish with this easy to handle and mild tasting variety.