If you are looking for a light, flavorful and delicious summer meal, look no further than this Pan Roasted Chipotle Halibut with Avocado Salsa.
I love pan roasting fish and it is definitely my preferred method of cooking fish in my kitchen! It gives it a nice crispy sear while leaving the inside nice and flakey. Halibut is always a good choice for a light and fresh weeknight meal, and I love enjoying it in the summer; however, it can sometimes be a little on the pricey side. I found mine on sale this week so I went for it but, if you don’t want to break the bank try this Pan-Roasted Chipotle Halibut with Avocado Salsa with either Salmon, Mahi-Mahi, or any white flakey fish instead!
I really love the heat from the chipotle paired with the nice cool avocado salsa over the top, the combination makes for a great summer dinner! I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do!
And for more halibut recipe ideas, try these flavor-packed dishes!
miso halibut en papillote (in parchment)
poached halibut in a thai-inspired coconut broth
oven-baked greek-inspired halibut
Pan-Roasted Chipotle Halibut with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 medium-sized red onion diced
- 1/2 jalapeno finely diced
- juice of 2 limes (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Halibut:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 2 [6-8oz] filets of Halibut or any white, flakey fish. Salmon also works!
- 2 tbsp. avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Make the Avocado Salsa:
- Combine all of the avocado salsa ingredients in a bowl, stir to combine. Cover and place in refrigerator until ready to serve or just set aside until fish is cooked through.
Cook the Halibut:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Toss to combine.
- Pat the halibut filets dry then evenly distribute the seasoning mixture over the tops of the filets and rub the mixture into the fish so that it adheres well.
- Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet (or an oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat. When oil is very hot, but not smoking, add the halibut (skin side down) to the skillet and sear for about 3 minutes.
- Carefully flip the fish over and place the skillet into the oven. Continue to cook for 8-10 more minutes, or until fish is cooked through and flakey, but not dry! (I had a 6oz piece and it took 8 minutes, my husband's was 8oz and took 10 minutes)
- Remove from oven and serve immediately topped with the avocado salsa.
Photography by Eat Love Eats.
20 Comments
Melissa
September 22, 2022 at 2:20 amI pulled a halibut fillet out of the freezer yesterday and didn’t know what I wanted to do with it for dinner. I googled whole30 halibut recipes and found this one – absolute winner!! It’s very different from anything I’ve done with halibut before and I love it. And I’m obsessed with this avocado salsa! I served mine with just a basic side of air fried brussel sprouts and it made for a great dinner.
Alex
September 22, 2022 at 6:01 pmGlad you enjoyed it!!
Rose
November 13, 2022 at 3:13 amOh my gosh what a flavor explosion! It came together so quickly and I can’t wait to make this again. I have never written a food review before but felt compelled to after eating this. Thank you for such a delicious and easy recipe!!
Alex
November 14, 2022 at 9:45 pmSo glad you loved this, thanks for the review!
Raphi Cohee
August 18, 2022 at 4:57 pmI made this for a dinner party last night with rice and broccoli…. it was a giant success. The fish was incredible with those seasonings and salsa. My guests called me “fancy pants” and were raving at how delicious it was, and I have to agree. I made the fish in my air fryer and it turned out perfect. Thanks Alex! I only make your recipes now… literally.
Alex
August 18, 2022 at 8:15 pmHow fabulous! So glad you loved it, Fancy Pants!! 😉
Erin
April 13, 2022 at 12:43 amAbsolutely delicious, as usual!!!
Julie
December 7, 2021 at 11:53 pmDelicious as always! And so easy! Alex, I sing your praises to anyone who will listen! I LOVE all of your recipes – it is almost all I cook these days. THANK YOU!!!!
Angela
August 23, 2021 at 12:41 amWe loved this! You’re right-Halibut is expensive but was worth it here. Spices gave a good kick. We served with zucchini/squash slices and rice. My salsa was really juicy but enjoyed that over the rice so was happy with it. I would definitely make it again! Can’t wait for the next cookbook. Already pre-ordered. Thanks for making me a “chef”, Alex!
Alex
August 23, 2021 at 11:41 amThank you so much for pre-ordering, Angela!
Lauren
August 10, 2021 at 1:50 amDo you have a recommendation on the chipotle seasoning? I have one I bought from sprouts that I find to be extremely spicy (and I actually like spice) but this one is a bit too much particularly when cooking for kids! I would love your recommendation!
Alex
August 13, 2021 at 3:22 pmChipotle seasoning definitely has a kick to it, you could sub in just chili powder to avoid the extra heat!
Lauren
August 9, 2021 at 7:50 pmWhat’s a good side dish to serve with this?
Alex
August 9, 2021 at 10:20 pmCilantro lime rice would be great, a big salad, or any roasted veggie!
Melinda
August 7, 2021 at 11:49 pmMade for dinner tonight – so so good!
Pam
August 5, 2021 at 11:29 pmWe made this for dinner tonight – WOW! Better than a restaurant! So simple to make, beautiful presentation, delicious. As always…
mary
August 4, 2021 at 10:57 pmI made this with Salmon, and my family Loved it! The fresh avocado salsa was delicious and the spice mixture on the fish was amazing! Just another Perfect recipe, thank you The Defined Dish.
Alex
August 5, 2021 at 12:26 pmThank you, Mary!!! So glad you enjoyed!
Beth Foster
August 3, 2021 at 1:11 amThis was delicious! I might use less lime in the salsa or less salt on the fish next time. Also i added a bit of cilantro to the salsa, just because i love the flavor. Overall this dish was incredible. Thanks!
Monica
August 2, 2021 at 12:58 amIncredibly simple to make (coming from someone who is new to cooking fish) and absolutely delicious!