Grilled Halibut With Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
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Updated on 02/17/22
Grilled Lemon-Basil Halibut
Stacie Peterson/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
420 Calories
12g Fat
2g Carbs
72g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 420
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 191mg 64%
Sodium 587mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 72g
Vitamin C 6mg 28%
Calcium 41mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 1718mg 37%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Halibut steak is an ideal fish to grill as its firm flesh holds up well on the grill grates over high heat. The mild, sweet taste doesn't need much enhancement, but it does lend itself to a flavorful sauce or dressing, such as this light and refreshing lemon and basil vinaigrette.

Although this dish comes across as elegant, it takes little time to prepare and cook. The halibut requires less than 10 minutes on the grill, and once done, it is finished with a mixture of lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, capers, and green onion. The lemon adds brightness, the basil a wonderful earthy flavor, and the capers a nice touch of brine and salt.

Other fish that would work nicely in this recipe are cod and wild striped bass. Serve this grilled halibut with lemon-basil vinaigrette over a bed of couscous with grilled vegetables on the side. It's the perfect summer meal to enjoy al fresco.

Ingredients

  • 4 halibut steaks

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning fish

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning fish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

  • 2 teaspoons capers, drained, rinsed

  • 1 large green onion, finely chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  2. Season the fish with salt and black pepper and place on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes per side.

  3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to blend and emulsify. Let the vinaigrette sit while the fish is cooking.

  4. Remove the fish from the grill and drizzle each steak with the vinaigrette.

  5. Serve with your choice of side dishes and enjoy.

Fish Grilling Tips

  • Make sure the grill grates are nice and clean and oiled before cooking; moisten a paper towel with a bit of cooking oil, and using tongs, coat the grill grates.
  • Do not move the fish until it is time to flip it over; the heat will help to develop a coating and release the fish when it's ready to turn over.

Can I use the vinaigrette to marinate the halibut?

Marinating fish can be tricky as acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, will essentially begin to cook the fish, changing the texture and causing the steak or fillet to fall apart while cooking. If the marinade includes vinegar or citrus juice, marinate the fish for a brief period of time (under 30 minutes).

Tip

When a recipe calls for both the zest and juice of citrus, it is easiest to zest the fruit first so you can hold it in your hand and shave off the peel. Then cut in half and squeeze out the juice.