Name: Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: ½ shallot; 1½ tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 4 cornichons; 3 tbsp flat leaf parsley; 1 tbsp capers; ¼ tsp sweet paprika; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 4 halibut fillets; kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Dive into a delightful dish of halibut with a tangy, tartar-style dressing. This recipe elevates the simple grilled fish with a burst of flavors that make every bite memorable. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish is easy to prepare yet impresses with its sophisticated taste.

Photos of Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing Recipe

Some ingredients might not be in your pantry, like cornichons, which are small, tangy pickles, and capers, which add a briny punch. You can find these in the condiment or international section of most supermarkets. Make sure to grab fresh parsley and shallot for the best results.

Ingredients For Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing

Shallot: A mild and slightly sweet type of onion that adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy acidity that brightens up the dish.

Cornichons: Small, tangy pickles that add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.

Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a vibrant green color and a mild, peppery taste.

Capers: Small, briny flower buds that add a salty, tangy flavor to the dressing.

Sweet paprika: A mild spice that adds a touch of sweetness and a rich red color.

Olive oil: A rich, fruity oil that enhances the flavors and helps in grilling the fish.

Halibut fillets: A firm, white fish that grills beautifully and has a mild, sweet flavor.

Kosher salt: A coarse-grained salt that seasons the fish evenly.

Freshly ground pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy note that complements the other flavors.

One reader, Karon Forman says:

This halibut with tartar-style dressing recipe is a delightful find. The fresh, zesty dressing perfectly complements the tender, grilled halibut. It's easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. A new favorite in our household!

Karon Forman

Cooking Techniques for Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing

How to light a grill: Ensure you have enough charcoal or gas. For charcoal, arrange the coals in a pyramid shape and use a lighter fluid or chimney starter to ignite them. For a gas grill, open the lid, turn on the gas, and ignite the burners. How to chop shallot: Peel the shallot and cut it in half lengthwise. Make horizontal and vertical cuts, then finely chop. How to chop parsley: Wash the parsley thoroughly, remove the stems, and finely chop the leaves. How to brush the grate with oil: Use a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grill grate, preventing the fish from sticking. How to season halibut: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground pepper evenly over the halibut fillets before grilling. How to grill halibut: Place the seasoned halibut on the preheated grill and cook for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

How To Make Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing

Savor a bite of grilled halibut dressed with an innovative tartar-style dressing without the mayo, made of cornichons, olive oil, capers, and parsley!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½shallot
1½tbspfresh lemon juice
4cornichons
3tbspflat leaf parsley,chopped
1tbspcapers
¼tspsweet paprika
3tbspextra-virgin olive oil
4halibut fillets,skinless, 1-inch thick
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Light a grill.
In a small bowl, stir together the chopped shallot and lemon juice.
Let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in the cornichons, parsley, capers, paprika, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Brush the grate with oil.
Season the halibut with salt and pepper and grill over moderately high heat for 6 minutes, turning, until opaque.
Transfer to plates, spoon the dressing on top and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 474.34kcal
Fat: 15.71g
Saturated Fat: 2.63g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
Carbohydrates: 3.20g
Fiber: 0.99g
Sugar: 0.94g
Protein: 76.28g
Cholesterol: 199.92mg
Sodium: 1052.82mg
Calcium: 43.30mg
Potassium: 1846.99mg
Iron: 1.24mg
Vitamin A: 99.16µg
Vitamin C: 6.84mg

Helpful Tip for Cooking Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing

When grilling halibut, ensure the grill is preheated to a moderately high heat and the grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking. Use a fish spatula to carefully turn the fillets, as it provides better support and reduces the risk of the fish breaking apart.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Seafood Dish

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the shallot, cornichons, and parsley in advance to save time during cooking.

Preheat the grill: Light the grill while you prepare the dressing to ensure it's ready when you need it.

Use a timer: Set a timer for the halibut to avoid overcooking and keep track of the 6 minutes per side.

Make extra dressing: Double the dressing recipe and store it in the fridge for future meals.

Substitute Ingredients For Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing Recipe

shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion has a similar flavor profile and can provide the same aromatic base.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.
cornichons - Substitute with dill pickles: Dill pickles have a similar tangy and crunchy texture, suitable for the dressing.
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
capers - Substitute with green olives: Green olives offer a similar briny and salty taste, making them a good stand-in for capers.
sweet paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the dish.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a versatile substitute.
halibut fillets - Substitute with cod fillets: Cod has a similar flaky texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for halibut.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and can be used in the same quantities.
freshly ground pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness and can be used to maintain the dish's flavor profile.

Plating Ideas for Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the halibut fillets in smaller, refined portions to emphasize quality over quantity. This allows the delicate flavors to shine and makes the dish appear more elegant.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped flat leaf parsley and a few whole capers to add a touch of color and sophistication. A small wedge of lemon can also be placed on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Create height: Stack the halibut fillets slightly on top of each other or use a ring mold to give the dish height and dimension. This adds visual interest and makes the dish look more professional.
Drizzle with dressing: Instead of spooning the tartar-style dressing directly on top, use a squeeze bottle to drizzle it artistically around the plate. This creates a more refined and controlled presentation.
Add texture: Incorporate a crispy element, such as a thin cornichon slice or a small piece of toasted bread, to add contrast to the soft halibut. This enhances the overall dining experience by providing a variety of textures.
Use a clean, white plate: A pristine white plate will make the colors of the halibut and tartar-style dressing pop, creating a visually appealing presentation. Ensure the plate is spotless to maintain a high level of professionalism.
Balance the elements: Arrange the components of the dish in a balanced manner, ensuring that each element is evenly distributed. This creates a harmonious and visually pleasing presentation that will impress culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Seafood Recipe

Grill: Used to cook the halibut fillets over moderately high heat, giving them a nice char and smoky flavor.
Small bowl: Used to mix the chopped shallot and lemon juice, and later to combine the other dressing ingredients.
Brush: Used to apply oil to the grill grate to prevent the halibut from sticking.
Knife: Essential for chopping the shallot, cornichons, and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the lemon juice, olive oil, and paprika accurately.
Spatula: Used to turn the halibut fillets on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Plates: Used to serve the grilled halibut with the tartar-style dressing.
Spoon: Used to stir the dressing ingredients together and to spoon the dressing over the cooked halibut.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Seafood Dish

Storing: If you have any leftover halibut with tartar-style dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the fish to become slightly soggy, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing: While it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the cooked halibut for up to 1 month. Here's how:
- Allow the cooked halibut to cool completely.
- Place the fish in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Label the container or package with the date and contents.
- To reheat, thaw the halibut in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the fish on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- Prepare the tartar-style dressing fresh and spoon it over the reheated halibut before serving.
Note: The tartar-style dressing is best prepared fresh and should not be frozen, as the texture and flavor may change upon thawing. The herbs and vegetables in the dressing may also become soggy and lose their vibrant taste after freezing and thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Halibut Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover halibut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the fish with a little olive oil and cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the halibut in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the fish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fish to become rubbery.
If you have a steamer basket, you can also reheat the halibut by steaming it. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the fish in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is heated through.
To reheat the tartar-style dressing, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the dressing is warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the dressing in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Once the halibut and tartar-style dressing are heated, plate the fish and spoon the dressing over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.

Interesting Trivia About Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing

A fun fact about this recipe is that cornichons are small, tart pickles made from gherkins, which add a delightful crunch and tangy flavor to the tartar-style dressing.

Is Making Halibut With Tartar-Style Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?

This halibut with tartar-style dressing recipe is moderately cost-effective. The halibut fillets are the most expensive component, but the other ingredients like shallot, lemon juice, cornichons, parsley, and capers are relatively affordable. The use of extra-virgin olive oil adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall, this dish offers a gourmet experience at a reasonable price. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost: $40-$50 USD for a household of 4 people.

Is This Seafood Dish Healthy or Not?

The halibut with tartar-style dressing recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:

Halibut is a lean, low-calorie source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
The fish also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
The dressing includes parsley, a herb rich in antioxidants and vitamins K and C.
Capers and cornichons add flavor without significantly increasing calorie content.

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:

The recipe calls for a considerable amount of olive oil, which, while healthy, is high in calories.
The dish lacks a significant source of complex carbohydrates or fiber.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing to lower the overall calorie content.
Serve the halibut with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Include a variety of colorful vegetables, like roasted bell peppers or a mixed green salad, to increase the vitamin and mineral content of the meal.
Incorporate additional herbs and spices, such as dill or garlic, to boost flavor without relying on salt or fat.

By making these adjustments, you can transform this halibut dish into a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health and well-being.

Editor's Opinion on This Halibut Recipe

This halibut recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. The tartar-style dressing, with its bright lemon juice, briny capers, and crunchy cornichons, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, flaky fish. Grilling the halibut enhances its natural flavors, while the paprika provides a subtle warmth. The use of fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a hint of earthiness. Overall, this dish is well-balanced and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of brightness to your meal with grilled asparagus drizzled with a hint of lemon zest. The smoky flavor of the asparagus pairs beautifully with the tartar-style dressing on the halibut, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in the creamy goodness of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The rich, buttery texture and the subtle hint of roasted garlic provide a comforting contrast to the light and fresh halibut. This side dish is the epitome of comfort food elegance.

Quinoa and Kale Salad: For a nutritious and vibrant addition, consider a quinoa and kale salad. The nutty flavor of quinoa combined with the earthy notes of kale and a zesty citrus vinaigrette will complement the tartar-style dressing on the halibut perfectly.

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory honey-glazed carrots bring a delightful contrast to your plate. The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by a touch of honey, balances the tangy and savory elements of the halibut dish, making each bite a harmonious experience.

Wild Rice Pilaf: Elevate your meal with a wild rice pilaf that boasts a medley of textures and flavors. The nutty and slightly chewy wild rice combined with aromatic herbs and a sprinkle of dried fruits creates a side dish that is both hearty and sophisticated, perfectly complementing the halibut.

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Halibut Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start your meal. Imagine tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. The filling is enhanced with a touch of Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon zest, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. These bite-sized treats are baked until golden and crispy on top, making them an irresistible appetizer that pairs perfectly with the main course.

Shrimp Cocktail: Shrimp Cocktail offers a refreshing and elegant start to your dining experience. Plump, juicy shrimp are poached to perfection and served chilled, accompanied by a zesty cocktail sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The combination of the succulent shrimp and the tangy sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a classic and sophisticated choice for an appetizer.

Desserts:

Lemon Meringue Tart: Imagine a crisp, buttery crust filled with a luscious, tangy lemon curd. The tart is topped with a cloud-like meringue, lightly toasted to perfection. This dessert offers a delightful contrast between the zesty lemon and the sweet, airy meringue, making it a perfect ending to a meal.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Picture a rich, decadent chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. Served warm, this dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm, gooey chocolate and the cool, creamy ice cream creates a heavenly experience.

Why trust this Halibut with Tartar-Style Dressing Recipe:

This recipe combines the delicate flavor of halibut with a zesty tartar-style dressing that features fresh ingredients like lemon juice, cornichons, and capers. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and flat leaf parsley ensures a rich and aromatic finish. Grilling the halibut enhances its natural flavors, making it a healthy and delicious choice. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, freshness, and the perfect balance of flavors.

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FAQ:

How do I know when the halibut is done cooking?

The halibut is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It usually takes about 6 minutes on the grill, turning once.

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute halibut with other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I serve with this halibut dish?

I love serving this with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or some garlic mashed potatoes. It pairs well with almost anything!

Can I make the tartar-style dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Give it a quick stir before serving.

What if I don't have a grill? Can I cook the halibut another way?

No problem! You can also cook the halibut in a hot skillet on the stove or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.