Halibut is one of the most widely cooked and enjoyed fish. Its mildly sweet flavor and flaky texture make it a delicious choice for fish. There are so many ways you can enjoy this fish. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with so many other ingredients.

Despite its versatility, not many cook halibut. That’s because this particular fish is a little tricky to cook and dries out faster than you think. The reason for its quick drying so that the fish has a low-fat content. So, if you want to prepare Halibut at home but fear that it will dry out, you need to keep a few things in mind. Don’t worry! We have it covered for you. This article will give you all the information you need to cook Halibut to perfection.

So if you are wondering how to cook Halibut without drying it out? Read ahead and find out!

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Can You Cook Halibut Without Drying It Out?

Because it is a tricky fish to cook, you might lose hope of cooking a perfect moisture piece of Halibut, but let me tell you, cooking it without drying it out is very much possible. In fact, it is quite easy as well. You just have to understand the fish and keep in mind a few points, I.e., cooking time, temperature, etc., with a few tweaks, and you can cook delicious Halibut without drying it out.

Different Ways to Cook Halibut

Although you can cook Halibut like cooking any other fish, there are a few ways that are preferred by others when it comes to cooking halibut. Because the fish dries out very quickly, using a gentle cooking method or one that includes moist heat is preferred. Here are a few quick ways to cook Halibut to perfection:

Steaming: Steaming is the easiest way to cook Halibut. Since it uses water vapors to cook the fish, the chances of it drying out are minimal. Steamed Halibut is a delicate way to enjoy the fish’s natural flavor.
Poaching: Another easy way to cook fish is by poaching it. Again it uses the liquid medium to cook the fish; therefore, the chances of dry fish are minimal. You can poach Halibut in water, butter, stock, or any sauce.
Braising: Braising allows you to cook Halibut in gravy or sauce. As it soaks up the flavors of the broth, the fish stays moist and tender.
Pan-seared: Cooking Halibut in a pan is easy and convenient. Simply heat butter and cook Halibut until it’s cooked through.
Baking: The easiest way to cook the fish is by baking it in the oven. Especially when you have to cook it in large batches, you can bake it in the oven until it’s done.

Tips on How to Cook Halibut Without Drying It Out

To ensure Halibut doesn’t dry out when you cook it, you have to keep a few things in mind. These are:

You can cook Halibut in either olive oil or butter. To retain its moisture, it’s better to use butter.
Always use unsalted butter for cooking Halibut.
Make sure you drizzle oil or melted butter on both sides of the fish fillets.
You can also marinate the fish in either oil or a wet marinade. It also keeps the fish moist. Let it sit for a few hours.
Always use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It should be 135 degrees F.
Once the fish is opaque, stop cooking it. Otherwise, the fish will get overcooked. The key to moist Halibut is not to overcook it.
Always use equal slices of the fish. It is crucial for even cooking.
Feel free to marinate the fish using your favorite spices.

How Do You Store Halibut?

You can store cooked Halibut by placing it in an air-tight container and refrigerating it for 3 days. To store it for longer, Place the cooked fish on a baking tray and flash freeze for two to three hours. Then transfer the fillets to an air-tight container or zip-lock bag. Freeze it, and it will last for up to 3 months. You can reheat it in the oven.