There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of grilled halibut and strawberry relish that just screams summer! The freshness of the halibut, kissed by the grill, pairs so beautifully with the sweet and tangy strawberry relish. Trust me, this dish is a burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress guests or simply indulge in a special dinner with my family.
This Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of lazy summer evenings spent on the patio, sipping lemonade while the sun sets. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their faces lit up with delight at the first bite! The mix of textures and flavors is simply unbeatable. The flaky halibut, combined with the freshness of strawberries and a hint of basil, creates a dish that’s not only visually stunning but incredibly satisfying. So, if you’re looking for something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, you’ve found it right here!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Halibut:
- 4 fresh halibut fillets
- For the Strawberry Relish:
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet for that perfect balance with the rich halibut. The red onion adds a lovely crunch and a bit of zing, while the balsamic vinegar ties everything together with its tangy sweetness. Trust me, each ingredient plays a vital role in this dish!
How to Prepare Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish
Getting this Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish on your table is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will wow your family and friends. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Preheat the Grill
First things first, let’s get that grill fired up! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400-450°F (204-232°C). This is super important because a hot grill helps to get those gorgeous grill marks and ensures the halibut cooks evenly. Give it about 10-15 minutes to reach that perfect temperature while you prep the halibut and the relish.
Season and Grill the Halibut
Now onto the halibut! Take your fresh halibut fillets and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. I like to go with about ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper per fillet, but feel free to adjust based on your taste. Once seasoned, gently place the fillets on the grill.
Grill the halibut for about 5 minutes on one side without moving it around—this helps to get those beautiful grill marks. After 5 minutes, carefully flip the fillets over and grill for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and has that lovely opaque color. If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to peek!
Prepare the Strawberry Relish
While the halibut is grilling, let’s whip up that fabulous strawberry relish! Grab a mixing bowl and combine your chopped strawberries, finely diced red onion, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh basil. I like to mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully. A quick taste before serving is always a good idea—adjust the vinegar or add a touch more basil if you want that extra zing!
Serve the Dish
It’s time to plate up! Start by placing the grilled halibut fillets on a serving platter or individual plates. Then, generously spoon the strawberry relish right on top of the fish. The vibrant colors will make your dish pop! For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprig of basil or a few whole strawberries on the side. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of flavors and textures—your guests will be amazed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein from the halibut and bursting with vitamins from the fresh strawberries and basil, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of flaky halibut with the sweet and tangy strawberry relish creates a delightful medley of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish make it a showstopper, ensuring it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out the strawberries for other fruits like peaches or mangoes, giving you endless variations for this dish!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making this delicious Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish, here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!
Choose the Best Halibut
When selecting halibut, freshness is key! Look for fillets that are firm, have a translucent appearance, and a mild ocean scent. If possible, buy from your local fishmonger or a trusted source. Fresh fish really makes a difference in taste and texture!
Mastering the Grill
Getting the grill temperature just right is essential. If it’s too hot, the halibut can char on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, you’ll end up with dry fish. Medium-high heat is perfect for a nice sear! Also, resist the urge to peek too often; let it cook undisturbed to get those beautiful grill marks.
Don’t Skip the Marinade
If you have a bit of time, consider marinating your halibut for about 30 minutes before grilling. A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to pat the fillets dry before grilling to achieve that perfect sear!
Customize the Relish
Feel free to experiment with different fruits for your relish! Peaches, mangos, or even a mix of berries can work beautifully. Just remember to balance the sweetness with a little acidity from vinegar or citrus to keep the flavors bright!
Perfect Presentation
When serving, don’t be afraid to get a little creative! Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction around the plate for an elegant touch, or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch. A fresh basil leaf on top not only looks beautiful but also enhances the aroma!
Enjoy and Share
Lastly, remember to savor the moment! This dish is meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. Share your triumphs and ideas, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate how delicious homemade meals can be!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish, it’s great to know that it’s not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes. But overall, you can feel good about indulging in this meal that’s packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients!
FAQs About Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish
Q1. Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh is always best, you can use frozen halibut. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before grilling. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for that perfect sear!
Q2. What other fruits can I use in the strawberry relish?
Great question! If strawberries aren’t in season or you want to mix things up, try using chopped peaches, mangoes, or even blueberries. Just remember to balance the sweetness with a splash of acidity, like lemon juice or vinegar, to keep the flavors vibrant!
Q3. How do I know when the halibut is done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is to look for that lovely opaque color and to gently flake it with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready to go! Aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked fish.
Q4. Can I make the strawberry relish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The relish tastes even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for a day or two, but the fresher, the better!
Q5. What should I serve with the grilled halibut?
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice. You want something that complements the fresh flavors without overpowering them. A chilled glass of white wine wouldn’t hurt either!
Equipment Needed
To whip up this delightful Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish, you won’t need much—just some essentials to get the job done! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Grill: A must-have for achieving that perfect char on your halibut. Whether it’s gas or charcoal, make sure it’s prepped and ready to go!
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this for combining your strawberry relish ingredients. A medium-sized bowl works perfectly!
That’s it! Simple equipment means you can focus on the flavors and techniques that make this dish so special. Happy grilling!
For more delicious recipes, check out my Pinterest page!
Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Relish
Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Halibut
- 4 fillets Halibut Fresh
For the Strawberry Relish
- 1 cup Strawberries Chopped
- 2 tablespoons Red Onion Finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper, then grill for about 5 minutes on each side.
- In a mixing bowl, combine strawberries, red onion, balsamic vinegar, and basil to make the relish.
- Serve the grilled halibut topped with strawberry relish.