Grilled Halibut Foil Packs

These Grilled Halibut Foil Packs are an effortless yet elegant way to enjoy seafood, combining fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn with tender halibut. The foil packs not only keep the fish moist but also allow all the flavors to infuse into each bite. The thyme and lemon slices add a delightful aromatic touch that makes this dish feel like a celebration of the season.

This meal is perfect for summer cookouts or a casual dinner outdoors. The best part? You can prepare everything in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a light, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dish that will impress your guests or your family.

Full Recipe:

2 halibut filets
4 onion slices
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup corn kernels
2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil cooking spray
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp dry white wine
4 slices of lemon
Fresh thyme sprigs

Directions:

Preheat your outdoor grill to 400°F (200°C).
Spray each foil sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
Layer 2 onion slices, 1/2 of the zucchini, 1/2 of the cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 of the corn in the center of each foil square. Scatter 1/2 the garlic over each pack, and season lightly with sea salt and pepper.
Pat halibut filets dry with paper towels, and place a filet on each packet.
Brush each filet with mayonnaise, season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Drizzle 1 tbsp of dry white wine over each packet.
Place two lemon slices on top of each filet, and scatter thyme sprigs on each.
Fold the foil tightly around the contents, leaving a bit of space inside for steam.
Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and grill for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
Remove the packets from the grill, let them rest for 5 minutes, and carefully open to avoid the steam.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Grilled Halibut Foil Packs: A Summer Seafood Delight

When summer arrives, grilling becomes a favorite pastime for many food enthusiasts, and seafood takes center stage in many households. One of the simplest, yet most flavorful dishes you can prepare on the grill is Grilled Halibut Foil Packs. This recipe combines fresh halibut with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn, all delicately seasoned and cooked to perfection in individual foil packets.

What makes this recipe stand out is its ease of preparation and the minimal cleanup involved, thanks to the use of foil packets. It’s a great go-to for both novice home cooks and experienced grill masters looking for a healthy, no-fuss meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Why Halibut?

Halibut is a meaty, flaky white fish with a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines. Here’s why halibut is perfect for this grilling recipe:

Firm texture: Halibut holds its shape well, even when grilled or baked. It doesn’t fall apart as easily as other types of fish, which makes it ideal for grilling.
Mild flavor: Its light, mild flavor pairs well with many seasonings and herbs without overpowering the taste of other ingredients.
Healthy and nutritious: Halibut is packed with high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.
Quick cooking: Halibut cooks relatively quickly, which means you can prepare an impressive meal in no time, whether it’s for a family gathering or a weekend barbecue.

The Benefits of Cooking in Foil Packs

Cooking seafood in foil packs is a method that has been used for decades, especially when grilling. Here are some reasons why this technique is so popular:

Locks in moisture: Foil creates a sealed environment, allowing the fish to steam and cook in its own juices along with the vegetables. This results in tender, moist halibut every time.
Infuses flavor: The seasonings, herbs, and lemon slices added to the foil packs permeate the fish and vegetables, making every bite deliciously infused with those fresh, bright flavors.
No mess, no fuss: Foil packets are a hassle-free way to cook. They eliminate the need for additional dishes or cleanup, as everything is contained within the foil.
Even cooking: The foil helps distribute heat evenly around the fish, ensuring that it’s cooked perfectly without drying out or burning.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Summer

Grilled halibut foil packs are perfect for summer for several reasons. Summer is the season when light, fresh, and healthy meals are in high demand, and this recipe delivers all that and more.

Here’s why this dish fits right into your summer menu:

Uses fresh summer vegetables: Zucchini, corn, and cherry tomatoes are in their peak season during summer. These vegetables not only add vibrant color to the dish but also bring out the natural sweetness of the fish.
Outdoor-friendly: Since this recipe is designed for the grill, it’s ideal for outdoor gatherings, backyard barbecues, or casual dinners on the patio.
Light and healthy: With minimal fat and calories, this meal won’t weigh you down. It’s a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying a satisfying meal.
Quick and easy: Summer is all about spending more time outside and less time in the kitchen. This recipe takes just 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Key Flavors and Ingredients

The combination of ingredients in this dish is what makes it truly stand out. Each component plays an important role in bringing depth and balance to the final flavor profile:

Halibut: The star of the dish, halibut provides a rich, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh, crisp vegetables.
Zucchini and corn: These veggies add a slight sweetness and crunch to the dish. Their mild flavors complement the halibut without overpowering it.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and slightly tangy, cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness to every bite.
Garlic and thyme: These aromatic ingredients add a savory, herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
Lemon slices: A couple of slices of lemon placed on top of the halibut not only infuse the fish with citrusy brightness but also enhance its natural flavors.
White wine: A small amount of dry white wine is drizzled over the ingredients, adding depth and sophistication to the dish without being overpowering.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients or the method to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for customizing the dish:

Swap out the vegetables: Don’t have zucchini or cherry tomatoes on hand? No problem! You can substitute them with other vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced carrots.
Change the seasoning: While the recipe calls for Italian seasoning and thyme, you can experiment with other herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
Add a sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle a light sauce over the fish after grilling. A simple lemon butter sauce or a garlic aioli would complement the halibut beautifully.
Make it dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit the mayonnaise or use a plant-based alternative. The fish will still be incredibly moist and flavorful.
Try other fish: If halibut isn’t available, you can use other firm white fish like cod, sea bass, or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled halibut foil packs can be served as a standalone meal, but there are plenty of ways to enhance the dish with simple side options. Here are some ideas:

Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the fish and vegetables.
Add a grain: For a more filling meal, you can serve the halibut alongside quinoa, couscous, or a light rice pilaf.
Pair with a chilled wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be the perfect complement to the delicate flavors of the fish and vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Halibut Foil Packs

To ensure that your halibut turns out perfectly every time, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Choose fresh, high-quality halibut: When purchasing halibut, look for fillets that are firm, with no fishy odor. Fresh halibut should have a slightly sweet, ocean-like aroma.
Don’t overcook the fish: Halibut can dry out quickly if overcooked, so be sure to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
Seal the foil packets tightly: Make sure the foil packets are tightly sealed to prevent the steam from escaping. This will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Conclusion

Grilled halibut foil packs are a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal during the summer months. This dish showcases the delicate flavors of fresh seafood paired with seasonal vegetables, all enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of citrus. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, these foil packs are sure to be a hit.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also offers a variety of customization options to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Plus, with minimal cleanup and a short cooking time, you’ll have more time to enjoy the best of what summer has to offer.

In summary, this dish encapsulates the essence of light, fresh, and effortless summer cooking. Its simplicity belies the incredible flavors packed into each bite. Whether you’re a seafood lover or new to cooking fish, grilled halibut foil packs are a must-try addition to your recipe repertoire.