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Perfect Grilled Halibut Recipe with Citrus Butter and Charred Asparagus

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A quick and easy grilled halibut recipe featuring a bright citrus butter and smoky charred asparagus, perfect for summer gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 ounces halibut fillets each (170-225g), fresh or thawed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g), softened
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • Zest of 1 small orange
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound or 450g), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, fresh parsley, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate briefly if too soft.
  2. Rinse asparagus and trim woody ends (about 1-2 inches). Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Pat halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing and covered with ash.
  5. Place halibut fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) or presentation side down on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness until opaque and flaky but not dry.
  6. Place asparagus spears perpendicular to grill grates. Turn occasionally for even char marks. Grill for 6-8 minutes until tender but crisp.
  7. During the last minute of grilling, brush a generous amount of citrus butter over the halibut. Let it melt and seep into the fish.
  8. Remove fish and asparagus from grill. Let halibut rest for 2 minutes to lock in juices. Serve immediately with leftover citrus butter on the side.

Notes

Pat fish dry before grilling to prevent sticking. Use a clean, oiled grill for best results. Keep citrus butter cold until last minute to avoid flare-ups. Adjust asparagus thickness for even cooking. If no grill available, pan-sear fish and roast asparagus in oven at 425°F for 10 minutes. Reheat leftovers gently in low oven covered with foil to prevent drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled halibut, citrus butter, charred asparagus, easy dinner, summer recipe, seafood, healthy grilling