Name: Easy Blackened Halibut
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 oz halibut fillets; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning; Lemon, for service; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion; 2 1/4 teaspoons sea salt; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sugar

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If you're looking for a delicious, nutrient-packed dinner that’s ready in a flash, this Blackened Halibut Recipe is just the answer! With a prep time of only 5 minutes and cooking time under 10 minutes, it's a quick yet impressive meal. Use your favorite Cajun seasoning or try the included spice blend recipe to make it from scratch. This blackened fish recipe is an easy, flavorful option that will become a family favorite.

Blackened halibut on a platter with mango salsa.

Why You’ll Love This Blackened Halibut Recipe

No special equipment or cooking skills are required! You can make this Blackened Halibut with a cast iron skillet, but a non-stick pan will also do the trick.

Serve it with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce, or whip up an easy mango salsa for an incredible weeknight dinner.

For more easy halibut recipes, try my Garlic Herb Baked Halibut, Crispy Parmesan Halibut, and Halibut Tacos.

Ingredients for Blackened Halibut

Ingredients for recipe laid out on a table.

Fish: This recipe uses Halibut, but you can substitute with Mahi Mahi, Grouper, or even Tuna.
Butter: An essential ingredient for the blackening process. Butter’s milk solids help develop that charred, flavorful crust. You can substitute with high-heat, neutral oil, but butter gives the best flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: Use a store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with the recipe I've included below. Making your own allows you to adjust to your preferred spice level.

Check the printable recipe card below for a complete ingredient list and measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fish Fillets

Melt the butter, and measure out your blackening seasoning. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the fillets with melted butter and sprinkle generously with blackening seasoning.

Fish laid out on parchment paper brushed with butter and sprinkled with spices.

Step 2: Sear the Halibut

Add the halibut fillets to a hot cast iron pan, seasoning side down. Brush the second side with butter and season lightly. Sear for 3-4 minutes, letting the seasoning create a browned crust. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is fully cooked.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Serve your blackened halibut with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and your favorite sides like Cole Slaw and Yellow Rice.

Blackened fish served on a plate with coleslaw, tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter?

Yes, a high-heat neutral oil can work, but butter provides that classic blackened flavor. The milk solids in butter help speed up the blackening process, so give it a try!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover blackened halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy leftovers with a side of mango salsa and tortillas for easy fish tacos.

What to Serve with Blackened Halibut?

Pair blackened fish with Garlic Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, or for a Southern touch, Crispy Grit Cakes and Creamy Cajun Sauce.

What is Blackening Seasoning?

Blackening seasoning, often used in Cajun cooking, is a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, sugar, and black pepper. It gives the fish a spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor.

Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this Blackened Halibut Recipe is a go-to for a quick and flavorful dinner. Let this easy, fish recipe bring the taste of Cajun cuisine to your kitchen!

Blackened Halibut Recipe