Get ready to make the best halibut taco recipe you’ve ever had, right in your own kitchen! Forget takeout—these tacos deliver that perfect restaurant-quality experience with incredibly flaky, seasoned halibut, a vibrant, crunchy slaw, and a smoky chipotle-lime crema that ties everything together. This recipe is surprisingly easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
We’ve designed this guide to be the only one you’ll ever need. Whether you prefer a perfect golden crust from pan-searing, a smoky char from the grill, or the simple hands-off method of baking, we’ve got you covered with instructions for all three. The result is always the same: tender, juicy halibut that makes for an unforgettable taco.
Why You’ll Love This Halibut Taco Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of mild, sweet halibut, zesty lime slaw, and creamy, spicy sauce is simply unbeatable.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have these amazing tacos on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Perfectly Textured: You get it all—the tender flakiness of the fish, the satisfying crunch of the slaw, and the smooth, creamy sauce.
- Super Flexible: We provide three different cooking methods for the halibut, so you can use what you have. Plus, the toppings are completely customizable!
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Fish Tacos
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these amazing tacos to life.
For the Halibut
- Halibut Fillets: You’ll want about 1.5 pounds of fresh or frozen (and thawed) halibut, with the skin removed. Cut them into 1.5 to 2-inch wide strips.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch for cooking to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Spice Blend: A simple but powerful mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper creates the perfect savory, slightly smoky coating for the fish.
For the Zesty Cabbage Slaw
- Cabbage: A mix of green and red cabbage provides a beautiful color and great crunch. You can use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright, herbaceous note.
- Red Onion: Finely sliced for a subtle, sharp bite.
- Jalapeño: Optional, but a little finely diced jalapeño adds a welcome kick of heat.
- Lime Juice: The key to the slaw’s zesty flavor! Always use fresh-squeezed.
For the Chipotle-Lime Crema
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of our sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a smooth consistency.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: This is where the magic happens. Use one pepper for a mild heat and a spoonful of the adobo sauce for that signature smoky flavor.
- Lime Juice: More fresh lime juice to brighten up the sauce and balance the smokiness.
- Garlic: A small clove, minced, adds a savory depth.
You will also need about 8-12 small corn or flour tortillas for serving.
How to Make Halibut Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these tacos is a simple four-step process. By preparing the sauce and slaw first, everything comes together quickly once the fish is cooked.
Step 1: Make the Chipotle-Lime Crema
In a small bowl or a blender, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, one chipotle pepper, a teaspoon of adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, and minced garlic. Blend or whisk until completely smooth. Taste and season with a pinch of salt. If you prefer more heat, add another small piece of chipotle pepper. Set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Slaw
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, sliced red onion, and diced jalapeño (if using). Drizzle with the fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until well combined. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the lime juice.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Halibut (Your Choice!)
Pat the halibut strips completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for getting a good sear! In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the halibut pieces.
Now, choose your favorite cooking method below.
Method 1: Pan-Seared Halibut (For a Golden Crust)
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the halibut pieces in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. For more tips, you can check out our complete guide to making perfect pan-seared halibut.
Method 2: Grilled Halibut (For a Smoky Char)
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates well and oil them to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned halibut strips directly on the grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once carefully. The halibut is done when it has nice grill marks and flakes easily. This method is similar to our favorite zesty grilled halibut recipe.
Method 3: Baked Halibut (For an Easy, Hands-Off Option)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned halibut pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. This is a wonderfully simple cooking method, much like our go-to simple easy baked halibut dinner (coming soon).
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm your tortillas according to package directions (a few seconds in a dry skillet or in the microwave works great). Place a few pieces of the cooked halibut in each tortilla. Top generously with the crunchy slaw and a hearty drizzle of the chipotle-lime crema. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Tips for the Best Halibut Tacos Every Time
- Don’t Overcook the Fish: Halibut is a lean fish and can dry out quickly. It’s done the moment it turns from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Warm Your Tortillas: This is a small step that makes a huge difference! Warming the tortillas makes them softer, more pliable, and more flavorful.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the spice rub. It forms a delicious crust on the fish that is packed with flavor.
- Let The Slaw Sit: Letting the slaw marinate in the lime juice for at least 15 minutes helps to tenderize the cabbage and deepen the flavor.
Topping & Serving Suggestions
While these halibut tacos are incredible as is, toppings are half the fun! Here are some of our favorites:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Pickled red onions
- Extra fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for squeezing
Serve these tacos alongside some cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a simple corn salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt. Here are a few ideas:
| Ingredient | Substitution Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Halibut | Any firm white fish like cod, mahi-mahi, or rockfish will work well. |
| Spice Blend | For a different flavor profile, try using a pre-made taco seasoning or make a spicy blackened halibut seasoning (coming soon). |
| Slaw | For a sweeter twist, try adding some finely diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for a simple mango salsa. |
| Crema | If you’re not a fan of chipotle, you can make a simple avocado-lime crema by blending the sour cream/yogurt base with half an avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. |
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
It’s best to store the components separately to prevent the tacos from getting soggy. Place the cooked halibut, slaw, and crema in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat the halibut, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can make it tough. Assemble the tacos fresh just before serving.
Halibut Taco Recipe
Halibut Taco Recipe (The Absolute Best!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper(s), adobo sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, sliced red onion, and optional jalapeño. Drizzle with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Pat the halibut strips completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the halibut.
- Choose your cooking method: Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook halibut for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 8-10 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Warm the tortillas. Fill each tortilla with a few pieces of cooked halibut, a generous amount of slaw, and a drizzle of the chipotle-lime crema. Serve immediately with desired toppings like avocado, cotija cheese, and extra lime wedges.
Notes
Warming the tortillas is a key step for the best texture and flavor.
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halibut Taco Recipe
Absolutely! Frozen halibut is a great, convenient option. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Before seasoning, pat the thawed fillets completely dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which is key to getting a good sear.
The key to moist halibut is to not overcook it. Halibut is a lean fish that cooks very quickly. It is perfectly cooked when its color changes from translucent to opaque and it flakes easily with a fork. Watch it closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
If you can’t find halibut, any firm, mild white fish will work beautifully. Excellent substitutes include cod, mahi-mahi, tilapia, or rockfish. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.
A creamy, slightly spicy sauce is perfect for balancing the fresh flavors. Our recipe features a chipotle-lime crema, which is a classic choice. An avocado-lime crema, a simple cilantro-lime sauce, or even a mango salsa would also be delicious.
Halibut tacos are a great meal on their own, but they also pair well with several side dishes. Popular options include cilantro-lime rice, black beans, Mexican street corn (elote), or a fresh avocado and tomato salad.
Both corn and flour tortillas work well, and it often comes down to personal preference. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic, slightly sweet flavor that complements the fish, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. For the best results, always warm your tortillas before serving.
More Amazing Fish Recipes To Try
If you loved this halibut taco recipe, we know you’ll enjoy exploring other ways to prepare this incredible fish. We hope these tacos make it into your regular dinner rotation. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
