You ordered wild halibut. You love it. But now, what’s the best way to cook it?

After the whirlwind of our halibut season opening sale, we heard from many of you: What’s the best way to prepare this spectacular fish? So, we turned to our very own seafood virtuoso, Chef Robert Clark, and asked for his top five halibut “hacks.”

Here’s what he had to say:

1. Treat It Right from the Start: Thaw Like a Pro

Great halibut deserves great handling. Cooking it straight from frozen? That’s a recipe for uneven texture. For the best results, thaw your fillets overnight in the fridge. Short on time? Submerge the sealed fish in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes. A well-thawed halibut = a tender, evenly cooked masterpiece.

2. Dry = Delicious: The Secret to a Golden Sear

Want that picture-perfect crust? Here’s the trick: Pat your halibut completely dry with paper towels before cooking. Any excess moisture will steam the fish instead of giving it that crisp, golden-brown exterior.

3. Heat Things Up: The Right Oil, The Right Temperature

Halibut loves a hot pan. Preheat your skillet to at least 400°F (204°C) before adding the fish. Use a high-smoke-point oil like grapeseed, avocado, or peanut oil to avoid any unwanted bitterness. This one move separates amateurs from kitchen legends.

4. Keep It Simple, Then Elevate

Halibut’s mild, delicate flavour shines when you season simply—a little salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of garlic powder or paprika. But the real magic? A finishing sauce. Melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of garlic create an instant, elegant upgrade.

5. Don’t Overcook! The Thermometer Is Your Best Friend

Dry halibut is a tragedy. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for perfection—moist, flaky, and full of flavour. An instant-read thermometer takes out the guesswork, so your fish stays luscious, not leathery.

Master these five steps, and you’ll be serving up halibut so good, it might just make you famous in your own kitchen.

Now, go cook some magic.

👉 What’s your favourite way to prepare halibut? Let us know and tag us on Instagram @organicoceanseafood to be featured.