Smoky Grilled Halibut Tacos with Zesty Slaw | Arteflame Recipe

There is something undeniably magical about cooking seafood on an open fire, and these Alaskan Grilled Halibut Tacos are the ultimate testament to that experience. The Arteflame grill is uniquely suited for white fish like halibut; the solid steel cooktop allows you to achieve a golden, caramelized sear without the fear of delicate meat falling through the grates. Halibut is the steak of the sea—firm, mild, and flaky—making it the perfect canvas for smoky spices and the high heat of the plancha. This recipe balances the rich, savory char of the fish with a bright, crunchy cabbage slaw and a cooling lime crema. Whether you are hosting a summer backyard fiesta or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner rotation, these tacos bring a gourmet coastal vibe right to your patio. It is fresh, vibrant, and packed with the kind of flavor that only wood-fired cooking can provide.

Ingredients

For the Halibut

• 1.5 lbs fresh Alaskan Halibut fillets, skin removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for the grill)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Zesty Slaw

• 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
• Pinch of salt

For the Avocado Lime Crema

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Water (to thin, if necessary)

For Assembly

• 8-10 corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges for serving
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish and Slaw

1. Begin by patting the halibut fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the halibut fillets with olive oil, then coat them generously with the spice mixture on all sides. Set aside to marinate while you prep the slaw.
4. In a large bowl, combine the purple cabbage, green cabbage, cilantro, and jalapeño. Whisk together the lime juice, honey, and salt, then toss with the cabbage mixture. Let it sit in the fridge to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make the Crema and Fire Up the Grill

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach a drizzle-friendly consistency.
2. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Build a medium-sized fire in the center to get the cooktop hot. You are looking for a medium-high heat zone on the flat top griddle (approx. 400°F).
3. Clean the cooktop with a scraper if needed and apply a thin layer of vegetable or grapeseed oil to season the steel.

Step 3: Grill the Halibut

1. Place the seasoned halibut fillets onto the hot, oiled plancha. Listen for that satisfying sizzle.
2. Cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. You want the fish to develop a nice golden-brown crust and release easily from the metal.
3. Once the internal temperature reaches 130°F-135°F and the flesh flakes easily with a fork, move the fish to the outer, cooler edges of the grill to keep warm without overcooking.

Step 4: Toast Tortillas and Assemble

1. Briefly place your corn or flour tortillas on the flat cooktop. Toast them for 30-60 seconds per side until they are warm and have slight char marks.
2. Remove the tortillas from the grill. Flake the grilled halibut into large chunks.
3. To assemble, place a generous portion of fish on each tortilla. Top with the zesty cabbage slaw, a drizzle of avocado lime crema, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Tips

Cooking fish on a flat-top grill requires a bit of finesse to keep it moist and flaky. The most critical tip is to not move the fish too early. When you place the halibut on the steel, the proteins need time to sear and release; if you try to flip it too soon, it may stick or tear. Wait until it releases naturally. Additionally, because the Arteflame has different heat zones, use this to your advantage. Sear the fish closer to the center where the heat is most intense, then slide it toward the cooler outer rim to finish cooking gently. This ensures the center is cooked through without burning the spices on the outside. Finally, always warm your tortillas on the grill—the steam and slight char transform the texture, preventing them from breaking when you take that first bite.

Variations

While halibut is the star of this dish, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your palate or whatever fresh catch is available. If you cannot find halibut, other firm white fish work beautifully on the Arteflame plancha. You can also adjust the flavor profile to be spicier or smokier depending on your preference. Here are a few delicious ways to mix things up:

• Mahi-Mahi or Swordfish: Use these firm fish as a direct substitute if halibut is out of season; they hold up well to high heat.
• Shrimp Tacos: Swap the fish for large shrimp, reducing the cooking time to just 2 minutes per side.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortillas entirely and serve the grilled fish and slaw inside large butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch.
• Fruit Salsa: Replace the cabbage slaw with a mango or pineapple salsa for a sweeter, tropical twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add chipotle powder to the dry rub or slice serrano peppers into the slaw for extra heat.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you want beverages and sides that cut through the richness of the avocado crema and the smokiness of the grilled fish. Acidic and refreshing flavors are your best friends here. A cold, crisp Mexican lager with a wedge of lime is the classic choice, serving as a palate cleanser between bites. If you prefer cocktails, a fresh agave margarita on the rocks or a Paloma (grapefruit and tequila) pairs perfectly with the citrus notes in the marinade. For side dishes, consider utilizing your Arteflame while it is hot. Grilled Mexican street corn (Elote), charred on the cob and rolled in mayo, cheese, and chili dust, is an authentic and delicious accompaniment. Alternatively, a simple cucumber and radish salad with vinaigrette offers a light, hydrating contrast to the warm tacos.

Conclusion

Mastering these Alaskan Grilled Halibut Tacos on your Arteflame is more than just cooking a meal; it is about embracing the lifestyle of wood-fired cuisine. The combination of smoky, seared fish, crunchy vegetables, and warm, toasted tortillas creates a bite that is sophisticated yet utterly comforting. This recipe proves that you do not need a deep fryer to make world-class fish tacos. By utilizing the solid steel cooktop, you lock in moisture and flavor that standard grates often lose. We hope this dish becomes a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire. Gather your friends around the fire, pour some cold drinks, and enjoy the incredible flavors of fresh seafood done right. Do not forget to share your culinary creations with us!