Delicious and Easy-to-Make Halibut Tacos

Ingredients

4 halibut fillets (about 5 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
2 avocados, sliced
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
For the Marinade:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps and instructions

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Place the halibut fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the fillets are well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove the halibut from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
Grill the halibut for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside.
Brush the grill or grill pan with a tablespoon of olive oil and place the corn tortillas on it. Grill for about 30 seconds on each side, until they are warm and slightly charred.
Assemble the tacos by placing a halibut fillet on each tortilla. Top with avocado slices, cilantro leaves, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
Serve the tacos with lime wedges, sour cream, and salsa on the side.

Tools for making

Grill or Grill Pan - To cook the halibut fillets.
Medium Bowl - To mix and whisk the marinade ingredients.
Shallow Dish - To marinate the halibut fillets.
Tongs - To flip and handle the halibut fillets on the grill.
Brush - To brush olive oil on the grill or grill pan and tortillas.
Knife - To slice the avocados and red onion.
Cutting Board - To safely cut and prepare the avocados and red onion.
Grill Spatula - To remove the grilled halibut fillets from the grill.
Whisk - To thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients for the marinade.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish, such as cod or snapper, instead of halibut.
Try grilling the fish with a different seasoning blend, like Cajun or jerk seasoning.
Experiment with different tortilla options, such as flour tortillas or whole wheat tortillas.
Add a spicy kick by including chopped jalapenos or adding hot sauce to the tacos.
For a gluten-free option, substitute corn tortillas with lettuce wraps.
Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Add a crunchy element by topping the tacos with crushed tortilla chips or sliced radishes.
Include different toppings like mango salsa, pineapple chunks, or pickled red cabbage.
For a vegetarian version, skip the fish and substitute grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
For a creamy texture, spread a layer of guacamole or chipotle mayo on the tortillas before adding the fish and toppings.

Recipe overview

Dive into a delectable seafood feast with these mouth-watering Halibut Tacos. The fresh halibut is marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection to imbue it with a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and crisp vegetables. The warm, lightly charred corn tortillas act as the perfect vessel to carry these vibrant flavors and textures. Served with a side of tangy sour cream and salsa, these tacos are a great way to mix up your dinner routine and bring a taste of the sea right to your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned seafood lover or new to the delights of fish, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish instead of halibut? Yes, you can use other firm white fish such as cod or snapper as a substitute for halibut in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long should I marinate the fish? It is recommended to marinate the halibut fillets for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. However, do not exceed 2 hours as over-marinating may affect the texture of the fish.
Can I cook the fish in the oven instead of grilling? Certainly! If you prefer to bake the halibut, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the marinated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What other toppings can I add to these tacos? Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize your halibut tacos.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? While corn tortillas are traditionally used for tacos, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture of the tacos may differ slightly.
What sides go well with halibut tacos? Some great side options to complement halibut tacos include Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a side salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or grill pan - Used to cook the marinated halibut fillets.
Tongs - Used to flip and remove the halibut fillets from the grill.
Shallow dish - Used to marinate the halibut fillets.
Whisk - Used to mix the ingredients for the marinade.
Brush - Used to brush the grill or grill pan with olive oil and to oil the corn tortillas.
Knife - Used to slice the avocados and red onion.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for slicing the avocados and red onion.
Serving platter - Used to present the assembled halibut tacos.
Small bowls - Used to serve sour cream and salsa as condiments.
Grill gloves - Optional, but helpful for handling the hot grill or grill pan.

Origin stories

The humble taco, a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, has a history as vibrant as its many variations. While the exact origin is murky, many historians believe that tacos were first developed by Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. The word "taco" referred to the small explosives workers used to extract the ore. These were pieces of paper wrapped around gunpowder and placed into the holes carved in the rock. Upon reflection, it's not too far of a leap to see how a tortilla wrapped around tasty fillings came to have the same name. Interestingly, though our recipe showcases halibut, fish tacos are not the original variant, but rather a coastal take on this versatile dish, proving that the taco, much like the people who enjoy it, adapts and thrives wherever it goes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.