Grilled Halibut Foil Packs Recipe

Juicy Grilled Halibut Foil Packs Recipe: Seaside Magic Made Easy

Wrapping succulent halibut in foil packs creates a magical culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated this technique for preserving delicate fish flavors.

Moisture and seasonings mingle beautifully when sealed within aluminum’s protective embrace.

Summer dinners demand easy, elegant solutions that minimize cleanup and maximize taste.

Fresh herbs and zesty lemon slices complement the fish’s mild, buttery profile.

Mediterranean-inspired marinades infuse each tender morsel with bright, compelling notes.

You’ll find this method incredibly foolproof and delightfully impressive for your next gathering.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises restaurant-quality results right from your own grill.

Why Grilled Halibut Foil Packs Are a Summer Win

  • Enjoy Quick Seafood Feast: Perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Foil packets trap flavors and eliminate dish washing, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Swap vegetables or seasonings easily to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Nutrition-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Halibut delivers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids while fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.

What You Need for Flavorful Foil-Pack Halibut

Main Protein:
  • Halibut Filets: Fresh white fish with a delicate, mild flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Onion, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn: Fresh vegetables that provide texture, moisture, and natural sweetness to the grilled dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the seafood.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the halibut.
  • Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that adds complexity and Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  • Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Delicate herb that brings earthy and slightly minty notes to the dish.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that helps keep the fish moist and adds a subtle richness.
  • Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and subtle complexity to the overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps create a non-adherent surface for grilling.
Garnish:
  • Lemon Slices: Bright citrus element that provides freshness and helps cut through the richness of the fish.

Grilling Halibut Foil Packs in Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your outdoor grill and heat it to a sizzling 400°F. The high temperature ensures a perfect cook and locks in those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Foil Base

Grab aluminum foil sheets and give them a light spray of olive oil. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to your meal.

Step 3: Build Vegetable Foundation

Craft a vibrant veggie base in the center of each foil square with these ingredients:
  • Sliced onions
  • Zucchini chunks
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Corn kernels
  • Minced garlic

Sprinkle a touch of sea salt and black pepper to enhance the vegetables’ natural taste.

Step 4: Position Halibut Filets

Gently pat the halibut filets dry with paper towels.

Carefully place a filet on top of the vegetable medley in each foil pack.

Step 5: Season and Dress the Fish

Brush each halibut filet with mayonnaise for moisture and richness.

Generously season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning blend

Step 6: Add Moisture and Aroma

Splash a bit of dry white wine over each packet to infuse extra flavor and keep the fish tender.

Step 7: Garnish with Citrus and Herbs

Top each filet with:
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Step 8: Seal the Flavor Packets

Fold the foil edges tightly, creating a sealed packet with a small air pocket for steam circulation.

Step 9: Grill to Perfection

Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for approximately 10 minutes per inch of fish thickness.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the packets from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Carefully open the packets, being mindful of the hot steam, and serve immediately.

Smart Tips for Tender, Juicy Grilled Halibut

  • Select fresh halibut with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor.
  • Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior when grilling.
  • Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and potential leaks during cooking.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary instead of thyme for varied taste profiles.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier coating on the fish filets.

Fun Flavor Combos for Halibut Foil Packs

  • Mediterranean Herb Explosion: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar, swap white wine for lemon juice, and add crumbled feta cheese on top before sealing the packet.
  • Spicy Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper, add sliced andouille sausage, replace white wine with hot sauce, and sprinkle chopped green onions before serving.
  • Asian Fusion Approach: Substitute mayonnaise with miso paste, drizzle sesame oil, sprinkle ginger and green onions, use rice wine instead of white wine, and garnish with sesame seeds after grilling.
  • Caribbean Coconut Kick: Brush halibut with coconut milk, add diced mango, replace white wine with rum, season with Caribbean jerk seasoning, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

What to Serve with Your Grilled Halibut

  • Elevate Citrus White Wine Pairing: Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the halibut's delicate flavor, with its bright acidity matching the lemon and white wine in the recipe.
  • Match Herbal Mediterranean Cocktail: Create a thyme-infused gin spritzer that echoes the herb's presence in the dish, adding a refreshing herbal note to each bite.
  • Serve Light Summer Salad: Prepare a cucumber and fennel salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich mayonnaise-brushed fish and provide a cool, crisp counterpoint.
  • Select Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Choose a crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the flavorful juices from the grilled foil packet, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Keep Grilled Halibut Fresh for Later Meals

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover halibut in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality and safety.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Microwave: Place fish in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 275°F. Place fish in a baking dish, add a few drops of water or white wine. Cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs About Grilling Halibut in Foil

  • What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Halibut is ideal, but you can substitute with cod, sea bass, or salmon for similar results.

  • Can I make these foil packs in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.

  • How do I know the halibut is fully cooked?

The fish should be white, opaque, and flake easily with a fork when it’s done cooking.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s low-carb, high in protein, and packed with fresh vegetables and lean fish.

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Grilled Halibut Foil Packs Recipe

Grilled Halibut Foil Packs Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Grilled Halibut Foil Packs bring ocean-fresh flavors right to summer dinner tables. Zesty lemon, herbs, and perfectly flaky fish combine in simple yet elegant packets that quickly deliver restaurant-quality coastal cuisine for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 halibut filets

Vegetables:

  • 4 onion slices
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of lemon
  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Heat outdoor grill to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Prepare foil sheets by lightly coating with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Create a vegetable base on each foil square by layering onion slices, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn in the center.
  4. Distribute minced garlic evenly across the vegetable layer and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  5. Gently pat halibut filets dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
  6. Position one halibut filet on top of the vegetable mixture in each foil pack.
  7. Brush fish with mayonnaise, then generously season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor.
  8. Splash dry white wine over each filet to add moisture and depth of taste.
  9. Garnish fish with fresh lemon slices and delicate thyme sprigs for aromatic infusion.
  10. Carefully fold foil edges, creating a sealed packet with slight internal space for steam circulation.
  11. Place foil packets directly on grill grates, cover, and cook approximately 10 minutes per inch of fish thickness.
  12. After grilling, allow packets to rest for 5 minutes before cautiously opening to release trapped steam.

Notes

  • Ensure halibut is fresh and properly stored to maintain its delicate flavor and texture.
  • Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture.
  • Customize vegetable combinations based on seasonal availability or personal preferences.
  • Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for optimal flavor enhancement.
  • Adjust grilling time depending on fish thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
  • Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and ensure even cooking.
  • Experiment with alternative proteins like cod or salmon for varied meal options.
  • Consider dairy-free mayonnaise substitutes for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil for additional aromatic complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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