Savoring perfectly Pacific halibut is easy to do, but even easier when paired with the right sauce for your cravings. This hearty, firm-but-flaky, white fillet deserves a chance to shine on your plate — whether you prefer the simplicity of minimal seasonings or crave the bright flavors of a spicier sauce, Pacific halibut is the perfect example that white fish can be a captivating addition to your seafood dinner.
Grilled, pan-fried, baked, or poached, a wild-caught Pacific halibut deserves a sauce that enhances its meaty qualities without overwhelming the nuances of this special catch. In this ultimate Pacific halibut sauce round-up, you will definitely find the perfect sauce that will take this white fish to the next level.
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Whip up this flavorful, Greek-inspired halibut sauce in just 5 minutes. With ingredients like olive oil, garlic, cucumber, Greek yogurt and Mediterranean herbs, it perfectly complements the grilled Pacific halibut — creating a charred yet creaming pairing.
Easy Chermoula Sauce
Elevate your Pacific halibut with chermoula, a North African-inspired sauce. The fresh cilantro and parsley married with an enticing blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika create a warm and inviting sauce for halibut. This versatile sauce can be used as both a marinade and drizzling sauce. Be sure to save some chermoula for that extra touch of flavor to enhance your entire meal.
Brown Butter Sauce
Savor pan-fried Pacific halibut by complementing it with a decadent brown butter sauce. This velvety sauce features fried sage leaves and mild Castelvetrano olives, enriching the delicate flavor of this lean, wild-caught white fish.
Pro tip: Emulsified sauces like this one can occasionally separate (or “break”), but even if it loses its smooth texture, the flavor remains exceptional.
Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe is a good sauce for halibut, pairing steamed Pacific halibut and green beans with a burst of flavor and acidity. This luscious and bright sauce is both simple and elegant.
Thai Red Curry Sauce
Pacific halibut and coconut rice is an irresistible combination, creating a fusion of textures with Thai-inspired flavors. The natural mild flavor of halibut embraces the heat of Thai red curry paste, and is completed by the creamy sweetness of coconut rice. A crispy panko crust adds the perfect crunch to the fish, making this dish a must-try for anyone who loves crispy delights.
Chimichurri Sauce
Add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinner with chimichurri-drizzled Pacific halibut steaks, a fresh and vibrant meal in under 20 minutes. Customize this herbaceous sauce with parsley and cilantro to suit your taste — perfect for grilling outdoors or on a cast-iron grill pan.
Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
Together, a seared Pacific halibut steak (or fillet!) and a creamy peppercorn sauce — our Alaskan twist on the classic French bistro favorite, steak au poivre — creates the best sauce for halibut. This version maintains the rich and hearty essence of au poivre while offering a lighter, healthier complement to the peppercorn sauce. Simply crack the whole peppercorns into larger pieces to infuse the sauce with spice. Sear Pacific halibut and craft the sauce right in the same skillet for indulgent goodness.
Red Pepper Fish Escabeche Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of Pacific halibut steak adorned with a zesty escabeche sauce that accomplishes an explosive taste on your palate, leaving you relishing every bite. This sauce offers a light and satisfying balance of flavors that’s perfect, especially in warmer seasons. Crafted with red pepper and an abundance of fresh summer herbs, this easy-to-make sauce will never have you asking “what sauce goes with halibut?” ever again.
Any of these sauces will liven up your halibut steaks, cheeks, or fillets and will have you craving a new sauce every night of the week. If you’re looking for more sauces to pair with your seafood, check out our best salmon sauces next!
