Smoky Ina Garten Grilled Halibut Recipe

Grilled halibut elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent, transforming a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy sensation.

Tender, flaky fillets meet searing grates, unlocking smoky whispers of flavor that tantalize taste buds.

Ocean-fresh proteins absorb zesty marinades, creating a symphony of delectable notes that sing with every bite.

Culinary magic happens when heat caresses delicate flesh, rendering each morsel impossibly succulent and irresistible.

Professional techniques blend seamlessly with home cooking, making this dish accessible to anyone craving a sophisticated meal.

Marinades infuse depth, while precise grilling ensures a perfect balance between crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Embrace this seafood masterpiece and watch dinner become an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Tips and Variations for Ina’s Grilled Halibut Perfection

Explore Sauce and Fish Variations

Replace halibut with fresh sea bass, cod, or salmon for different flavor profiles and textures.

Use dry vermouth or crisp sauvignon blanc instead of white wine to create subtle taste variations.

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra kick of heat and depth.

Transform the sauce into a hearty vegetable stew by adding roasted eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, serving over polenta or crusty bread.

Serving Halibut with Ina’s Fresh Coastal Vibes

• Plate with Mediterranean Elegance: Nestle each grilled halibut fillet gently into the vibrant tomato basil sauce, allowing the fish to soak up the rich, aromatic flavors for a stunning presentation.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or add a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's robust flavors.
• Create a Wine-Pairing Experience: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate halibut and complement the bright, herbal notes of the tomato basil sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving to add a final burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.

How to Handle Leftover Grilled Halibut

• Maximize Meal Freshness: Store homemade tomato basil sauce in airtight glass containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify during storage.
• Freeze Sauce Smartly: Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring best quality and taste when reheated gently.
• Reheat with Care: Warm sauce slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of water or stock if sauce seems too thick, maintaining original silky texture.
• Halibut Storage Tips: Store cooked halibut separately from sauce to prevent fish becoming soggy. Refrigerate fish in sealed container for 2-3 days, reheating carefully to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Ina Garten’s Grilled Halibut

• Onions: Select firm, glossy bulbs without soft spots for maximum flavor.
• Fennel: Choose crisp, white bulbs with fresh green fronds and no browning.

• Garlic: Pick plump, firm cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Capers: Opt for briny, firm pickled buds with vibrant green color.

• White Wine: Select crisp, dry varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Chicken Stock: Choose low-sodium, rich-tasting stock for depth.

• Italian Plum Tomatoes: Seek San Marzano variety for intense, sweet profile.

• Basil: Grab bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting or dark spots.

• Halibut Fillets: Select fresh, firm white fish with translucent appearance.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Pick cold-pressed, fruity oil with golden-green hue.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality, creamy butter without off-odors.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Select freshly ground for robust, clean taste.

Grill Tools for Halibut

• Large Deep Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and developing sauce base.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, fennel, and garlic with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking down tomatoes gently.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately portion chicken stock and white wine.
• Fork: Useful for breaking tomatoes and checking fish doneness.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Creates beautiful char marks on halibut fillets.
• Tongs: Helps flipping fish on grill safely and smoothly.
• Serving Platter: Allows elegant presentation of fish in rich tomato sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures perfect seasoning with salt and pepper.

How to Make Grilled Halibut, Ina Garten Style

• Craft Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and fennel, letting them dance and soften for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic into the mix, stirring until its aroma fills the kitchen.

• Build Robust Sauce

Crush Italian plum tomatoes directly into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour in white wine and chicken stock, then scatter capers across the surface. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, melding flavors and reducing slightly.

• Elevate Sauce Complexity

Stir in fresh basil and a knob of butter, creating a silky, rich texture. Remove from heat and let the sauce rest, developing deeper flavors.

• Prepare Fish

Brush halibut fillets with olive oil and season generously. Heat the grill to medium-high and cook fish for about 4 minutes per side until it turns opaque and flakes beautifully.

• Create Final Dish

Nestle grilled halibut into the waiting sauce, allowing it to absorb the vibrant flavors for a couple minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top and serve immediately, bringing a burst of Mediterranean elegance to the table.

Elegant Ina Garten Grilled Halibut Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grilled halibut creates a Mediterranean-inspired seafood masterpiece with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Delicate fish fillets pair perfectly with herb-infused olive oil, offering coastal elegance on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 halibut fillets (6–7 oz/170–200 g each), skinless, about 1 inch thick
• 2 cups (480 ml) finely chopped onions
• 2 cups (480 ml) chopped fennel
• 2 (28 oz/794 g) cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• ¼ cup (40 g) capers, drained and coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) coarsely chopped basil, plus small leaves for garnish
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauce Foundation: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and fennel until softened and translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic and stir briefly, allowing flavors to develop without burning.
3. Tomato Integration: Introduce plum tomatoes, crushing them gently. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer until liquid reduces substantially, approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Flavor Layering: Pour in white wine and chicken stock. Fold in capers and continue simmering to harmonize flavors for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Sauce Refinement: Incorporate fresh basil and butter, creating a rich, herbaceous finish. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Halibut Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush halibut fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Grilling Technique: Cook halibut on preheated grill, approximately 4 minutes per side until fish becomes opaque and flakes easily. Transfer fillets into prepared tomato basil sauce, allowing brief flavor absorption. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Garlic: Stir garlic quickly and watch carefully to avoid bitter, scorched flavor that can ruin the entire sauce.
• Wine and Stock Balance: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tomato sauce’s acidity and enhance overall depth.
• Grill Temperature Control: Medium-high heat ensures perfect halibut sear without drying out the delicate fish, creating a golden exterior and moist interior.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use freshly chopped basil just before serving to maintain vibrant color, intense aroma, and maximum flavor impact in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg