Best North African Spiced Alaska Halibut Recipes

CHARRED ALASKA HALIBUT TACOS WITH CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Combine all pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend. Drizzle in more olive oil or water, if needed, until you get a salsa-like consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside. Heat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Brush halibut and grill surface with oil; grill 5 to 7 inches from heat about 8 minutes, turning once during cooking. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout. Season with salt and pepper. To assemble tacos: Char tortillas on grill or grill pan. Top each taco with a big pinch of shaved red cabbage. Break halibut into chunks and distribute evenly between tortillas. Top with a generous spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, and a lime wedge.

HALIBUT IN FOIL PACKETS WITH NORTH AFRICAN FLAVORS

Steps:

• Build a campfire and let it burn down until the embers glow; you don't want flames to cook the fish. Otherwise, heat an oven to 400 degrees.
• Quarter the preserved lemons. Slice away and discard the flesh and pith. Cut the remaining zest into strips and combine with the olives, sliced garlic, and cumin and coriander seeds.
• Place each halibut steak in the center of a large double layer of aluminum foil. Fold up the edges slightly, then lightly season the fish with salt and pepper. Top with 1/4 of the olive mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring the edges of the foil together and pinch them firmly to create an airtight seal. The packets can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
• Place the packets in the medium-hot embers of the fire, or if the fire is too fierce, on a rack above it. Leave to cook for 10 minutes or so, depending on the heat of the fire. The fish should feel just firm if prodded through the foil with a wooden spoon handle. Otherwise, cook in the oven for 15 minutes. Unwrap the packets carefully and scatter with chopped coriander, if you like.

BLACKENED HALIBUT

Steps:

• In a large shallow dish, combine the first 8 ingredients. Add fillets, 2 at a time, and turn to coat., In a large cast-iron skillet, cook fillets in butter over medium heat until fish flakes easily with a fork, 3-4 minutes on each side.