Halibut

Fish

Halibut

Halibut is a large flatfish (Hippoglossus species, plus some market “halibut” cousins) with dense, lean, snow-white flesh that cuts into steaks and thick fillets. Flavour is mild and clean; texture is meatier than sole or plaice and can dry if overcooked. Pacific and Atlantic stocks differ in management status—check provenance. Roast or grill thick portions with fat (butter, oil, bacon), poach gently, or confit for moisture. Cheeks are a sweet delicacy. Because the fish is lean, brining or basting helps. Premium pricing reflects size, yield, and fishery limits; smaller “chicken halibut” cook more forgivingly than huge steak cuts.

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedChilledCuredDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledRoastedSaltedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

ASC CertifiedDay BoatFree SwumHand FilletedHook and LineLine-CaughtMSC CertifiedOrganicPole-CaughtResponsibly SourcedSeasonalSustainable

Sources

AquacultureIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

DenseFirmLeanMildMoistPale

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 137

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 4.84 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.05 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.15 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.94 g
  • Cholesterol 53.9 mg
  • Sodium 77.3 mg
  • Salt 0.19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 20.3 g
  • Water 75.2 g
Detailed nutrients

Fish flesh is lean to oily depending on species; marine omega-3s rise in fatty fish.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Halibut.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

Grading systems

Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.

Iceland

Icelandic Quality

Norway

Norway Export

United States

USDC / Commercial

History

Coastal and river fishing for halibut and related species supplied essential protein long before agriculture spread globally.

Salting, drying, smoking, and fermenting extended the shelf life of halibut and enabled long-distance trade.

Ice preservation and railway transport brought fresh halibut to inland cities beyond fishing ports.

Industrial freezing, aquaculture, and global logistics made halibut widely available in international markets.

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