Coconut Curry Halibut
By Sarah O'Neill
Coconut Curry Halibut
Wild Alaskan halibut simmered in a fragrant red curry coconut broth with bell peppers and fresh basil. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and deeply satisfying.
Wild Alaskan halibut has a firm, meaty texture that holds up beautifully in a simmering curry. This Thai-inspired dish builds layers of flavor quickly: red curry paste bloomed in coconut cream, finished with lime and fresh basil. The result is a rich, aromatic sauce that makes the halibut the star of the bowl. It is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo. Explore more wild seafood cooking techniques.
Ingredients
- 4 wild Alaskan halibut portions (5–6 oz each), thawed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh Thai basil or regular basil, torn
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Bloom Curry Paste: Heat coconut oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add curry paste and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and coconut sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
- Cook Halibut: Season halibut with salt and pepper. Nestle portions into the curry sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until halibut is opaque and flakes easily (145°F).
- Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and scatter torn basil over the top.
- Serve: Spoon curry and halibut over steamed jasmine rice. Serve with lime wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Curry paste brands matter: Mae Ploy and Maesri are widely available and authentic. Avoid paste with lots of added sugar.
- Don't boil the fish: A gentle simmer keeps halibut tender. Hard boiling toughens lean white fish.
- Heat level: Start with 2 tablespoons curry paste for medium heat. Add more for spicier, or reduce to 1 tablespoon for mild.
- Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a Paleo or keto-friendly meal.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate, without rice)
Calories: 310 | Protein: 34g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 10g | Omega-3: 500 mg
Made with: Wild Alaskan Halibut Portions
Learn more: Cooking Guide |
Wild Fish Benefits |
Our Sustainability
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