This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Eat Love Eats.
I 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.
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Oh 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!!
So glad you loved this, thanks for the review!
I 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.
How fabulous! So glad you loved it, Fancy Pants!! 😉