Forget cedar planks. Rest your fish filets on sweet and tangy tangerine slices to create this buttery Grilled Citrus Herb Halibut.
4.62 from 13 votes
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By Christie Vanover | Published March 26, 2016 | Last Updated February 16, 2023

grilled halibut resting on tangarine slices with sage flowers

Halibut is a mild, flaky white fish with a buttery flavor. It’s fantastic grilled up with olive oil, salt and pepper, but if you’re looking to bring out its natural essence, accentuate the filet with butter, tangerines and fresh sage.

The basting liquid is a simple combo of butter, shallots, garlic and sage. If you prefer rosemary or oregano or a combo of all three, mix it up, and go with your fave.

One of the challenges of grilling fish is that it can stick to the grill. That’s why some people use wood planks. I prefer using a base that I can devour, so I layer two rows of tangerines on the grill grate before adding the fish on top.

As the tangerine slices char on the grill, they impart a bright, sugary sweetness to the delicate fish. And the burnt bits are like sweet and sour candy that adds an additional texture to the dish.

grilled halibut resting on tangarine slices with sage flowers

When working with large pieces of fish, an extra large grill spatula will help you easily remove it from the grill.

grilled halibut resting on tangarine slices with sage flowers

Grilled Citrus Herb Halibut

Forget cedar planks. Rest your fish filets on sweet and tangy tangerine slices to create this buttery Grilled Citrus Herb Halibut.
Recipe by Christie Vanover
4.62 from 13 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
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Ingredients
 

  • 3 tangerines
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp minced shallots
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 sprig fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 large halibut filet

Instructions
 

  • Slice 2 tangerines. Zest and juice the other tangerine.
  • Heat the grill to 375-400F degrees.
  • Place a small saucepot on the grill, and melt one tablespoon of butter in it. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add 2 chopped sage leaves, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, red pepper flakes, the tangerine juice, the remaining butter and half of the tangerine zest. Stir until melted and combined. Remove the pot from the grill.
  • Season the halibut with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper on both sides.
  • Arrange the tangerine slices on the grill in two overlapping rows the length of your fish filet. Place the fish on top of the orange slices. Spoon some of the tangerine butter sauce on top. Close the lid and grill for 10 minutes.
  • Open the grill lid. Spoon more sauce on top of the fish. Set the remaining sage leaves on the grill off to the side. Close the lid and grill for 5 more minutes.
  • Remove the halibut to a platter. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining tangerine zest and crispy sage leaves. 

Notes

This recipe is also great with sea bass, tilapia and salmon.
Tangerines are a little more tangy than oranges, so they work really well in this recipe, but you could definitely substitute oranges, grapefruits or lemons.

Nutrition

Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 43gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 1523mgPotassium: 1205mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1790IUVitamin C: 35.7mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.8mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

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