Succulent BBQ Boiled Whole Halibut – A Simple Flavorful Seafood Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat10gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh halibut (about 2 kg) - choose a firm, fresh-smelling fish with clear eyes and shiny skin for best results1 piece
- Water4 liter
- Sea salt - enhances flavor and helps slightly firm the fish texture3 tbsp
- Fresh lemon slices6 piece
- Bay leaves2 piece
- Fresh dill or parsleya small bunch n/a
- Black peppercorns1 tsp
- Garlic cloves, crushed4 piece
- Olive oil (for serving)2 tbsp
This recipe guides you through boiling a whole halibut using a BBQ grill, blending smoky flavors with tender, flaky fish. It’s perfect for home cooks wanting a show-stopping seafood meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Using common supermarket ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your family with this healthy, protein-rich dish cooked safely to perfection. Total ingredient cost is approximately $25 / €23 / £20 / ₹1900, and the meal provides around 350 calories per serving. Suitable for gluten-free and pescatarian diets. Difficulty is easy to medium, with total cooking time about 45 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Boiling Liquid
1Fill a large pot or a pot set on your BBQ grill with 4 liters of water. Add 3 tablespoons sea salt, 6 lemon slices, 2 bay leaves, a small bunch of fresh dill or parsley, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 4 crushed garlic cloves. Bring the water to a rolling boil using the BBQ's heat; this will infuse the water with beautiful flavors that the halibut will absorb.
Clean the Halibut
2While the water heats, thoroughly rinse the whole halibut under cold running water. Remove any scales by gently scraping the skin with the back of a knife. Make sure the cavity is clean and free of any blood or innards. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Proper cleaning promotes food safety and enhances taste.
Boil the Halibut Whole
3Once the broth is boiling, carefully lower the halibut into the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon, immersing it fully. Reduce the BBQ heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil. Boil the fish for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on size (about 10-12 minutes per kilogram). Boiling it whole helps retain moisture and flavor.
Check Reach of Safe Temperature
4After boiling, check the thickest part of the halibut with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 63ºC (145ºF) to ensure safety. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
Carefully Remove and Serve
5Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully lift the halibut from the pot, allowing excess liquid to drain. Place it on a large serving platter. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Cooking Tips
-If you don’t have a large pot suitable for your BBQ, you can use a disposable aluminum pan that fits on your grill.
-Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw fish.
-Substitute dill with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb aroma.
-Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
Equipment
- Large pot or BBQ-safe boiling vessel
- BBQ grill or gas grill
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Food thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh halibut (~2 kg) - $20: Look for firm, fresh fish with clear eyes and a mild ocean smell.
- [ ] Fresh lemons (6 slices worth) - $1: Choose lemons heavy for their size with bright yellow skin.
- [ ] Fresh dill or parsley (small bunch) - $2: Opt for vibrant green bunches without wilting.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pcs) - $0.50: Pick firm bulbs without soft spots.
- [ ] Bay leaves (2 leaves) - $0.50: Available dried in small packets.
- [ ] Sea salt (3 tbsp) - $1: Use coarse sea salt for flavor.
- [ ] Black peppercorns (1 tsp) - $0.50: Freshly cracked peppercorns offer best aroma.
Total estimated cost: $25 / €23 / £20 / ₹1900
FAQ
Can I use frozen halibut for boiling whole on BBQ?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before cooking for even and safe cooking.
How do I know when the halibut is fully cooked without a thermometer?
Look for opaque white flesh that flakes easily when pressed with a fork. If the flesh is still translucent and resists flaking, it needs more time.
Can I add other vegetables or aromatics to the boiling water?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like sliced onions or carrots can add more flavor to the broth, but make sure your pot is large enough to fit everything comfortably.
Is it safe to eat halibut rare?
To ensure food safety, fish should reach at least 63°C (145°F) internal temperature. Eating undercooked fish can pose risks of foodborne illness.