Halibut is a type of flatfish that is popular among seafood lovers for its delicate flavor and firm, flaky texture. While it can be quite expensive, halibut is definitely worth the splurge if you’re looking for a special seafood dining experience.
However, if you’re on a budget or simply looking for something different, there are plenty of excellent halibut substitutes out there that will still give you an amazing meal.
In this article, I’m covering 11 of the best halibut substitutes to try such as Flounder, Turbot, Cod, Striped Bass, Dogfish, Haddock, Sole, Fluke, Tilapia, Orange Roughy, and Mahi Mahi.
Keep reading to learn more about each of these substitutes and find the perfect one for your next seafood recipe.
Table of Contents
What Does A Halibut Look Like?
The first thing to know about halibut is what it looks like. These fish are large, flat, and oval-shaped with both eyes on the same side of their body.
In terms of appearance, one side of the Halibut is dark (the top side) and the other side is white (the bottom side) and it can grow to hundreds of pounds.
11 Best Halibut Substitutes
As I said before, Halibut’s mild flavor and dense, meaty texture make it a popular choice for everything from grilling and baking to sautéing and frying.
Halibut is also a good source of lean protein, making it a healthy option for those looking to include more fish in their diet.
Below are a number of delicious substitutes that provide all the flavor and nutrition of halibut without breaking the bank.
1. Flounder
Flounder is a type of flatfish that is similar to halibut in both appearance and taste. It also has similar low-fat content and it is usually found in the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans.
It has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet undertone, making it a good choice for those who are not fans of fish with a “fishy” taste. What makes Flounder different from Halibut is its texture; Flounder is a bit more delicate and softer.
Flounder is also very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing. However, due to softness, grilling is not recommended.
2. Turbot
Turbot is a flatfish that is closely related to Flounder and Halibut that makes an excellent halibut substitute.
It has a white flesh with a pinkish undertone and a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of sea flavor.
The texture of Turbot is denser than Flounder but not as dense as Halibut. It is a medium-textured fish which are usually small in size and available as fillets in markets.
What sets turbot apart from other fish is its high oil content, which gives it a richer flavor.
The best way to cook Turbot is by poaching or steaming it. However, you can also opt for baking, grilling, or roasting cooking methods if you’re cooking a whole Turbot.
3. Cod
One of the most popular fishes in the United States, Cod is a type of whitefish that is found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet undertone and a dense, flaky texture.
Due to its versatility and affordability, cod is one of the most popular seafood options and a great substitute for halibut.
It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing. While Cod is not as delicate as Flounder or Turbot, it is still a good choice for those who are looking for a fish with a delicate flavor.
Moreover, Cod is available in local fish markets all year round and it is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like a strong fishy taste.
4. Striped Bass
Striped Bass (also known as rockfish) is a type of saltwater fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of appearance, it is a silvery-looking fish with dark stripes running along its body and a white underside.
It has a white flesh with a pinkish undertone and a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of sea flavor. The texture of Striped Bass is denser than Flounder but not as dense as Halibut.
Striped Bass is a good choice for those who are looking for a fish with a delicate flavor. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing.
While Striped Bass is not as widely available as Cod, it is still a good substitute for halibut. One reason for their limited availability is that Striped Bass are protected by law for industrial fishing owning to their limited population.
5. Dogfish
Dogfish is a type of fish that can be found in many parts of the world. Though it is not as popular as some other fish, it can be just as delicious.
When cooked properly, Dogfish has a firm texture and a mild flavor that makes it a great substitute for Halibut. You can cook Dogfish in a number of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing.
In addition, Dogfish is a relatively sustainable choice, as it is not overfished like many other popular seafood options.
For these reasons, Dogfish is an excellent substitute for Halibut for anyone looking for a delicious and environmentally friendly seafood option.
6. Haddock
Next on the list is Haddock, a part of the Cod family making it a perfect replacement for Halibut in many recipes.
Since it is rich in minerals along with high-protein and low-calorie, Haddock is considered to be one of the healthiest fish to eat.
It has a unique appearance with purplish color, dark brown spots on the upper side of its body, and a white underside.
Haddock is a good alternative for those who are seeking a low-fat halibut substitute.
Moreover, it has medium flakes and a moderate texture and it is not as firm as halibut, but it stays firm and chewy when cooked.
7. Sole
Sole is another great halibut substitute that belongs to the flatfish family. It is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
There are many different types of Sole, but the most common ones are Dover Sole and Petrale Sole.
Dover Sole is the more popular choice and it can be easily recognized by its large size and dark brown color. Petrale Sole, on the other hand, is smaller and has a lighter brown color.
Sole has a delicate flavor with a mild sweetness. It also has moist and tender flesh with a flaky texture. Moreover, it is a very healthy option too since it is rich in vitamin B12.
Sole is a good choice for those who are looking for a fish with a delicate flavor. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing.
8. Fluke
Also known as Summer Flounder, Fluke is a type of flatfish that is found in the area between Northern Carolina to Maine.
In terms of appearance, Fluke has a brownish or yellowish color with dark spots on its upper body. It also has a white underside.
When it comes to taste, Fluke has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. The texture of its flesh is moist and flaky.
Fluke is a good choice for those who are looking for a fish with a delicate flavor but do not want a fishy flavor. Like Halibut, it can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and sautéing.
9. Tilapia
One of the most popular and affordable fish options in the United States, Tilapia is a great substitute for Halibut.
Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is found in Africa, Asia, and South America. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture. Moreover, it is easy to cook and can be baked, broiled, steamed, or saute.
Tilapia is a good choice for those who want an affordable and easy-to-cook halibut substitute.
In addition to being a good halibut substitute, Tilapia is also very healthy. It is low in calories and fat but high in protein. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
10. Orange Roughy
Last on the list is the Orange Roughy, a type of fish that is also known as Deep SeaPerch. It is found in the deep waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans which makes it expensive and sometimes hard to find.
Orange Roughy has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet taste. The texture of its flesh is moist and flaky which is different from Halibut but most people will appreciate it.
Since the skin of Orange Roughy isn’t tender, it can be cooked in multiple ways including bake, steam, boil, or saute.
Overall, Orange Roughy is a good halibut substitute for those who are looking for a fish with a mild flavor and moist texture. It is also a healthy choice since it is low in calories and fat but high in protein.
11. Mahi Mahi
The last halibut substitute on my list is Mahi Mahi, a type of fish that is also known as Dolphinfish. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Mahi Mahi has a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture. It can be cooked in multiple ways including baking, frying, and grilling.
Mahi Mahi is a good choice for those who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-cook halibut substitute. It is also a healthy choice since it is low in calories and fat but high in protein.
What Does Halibut Taste Like?
Halibut has a delicate, mild, and slightly sweet flavor with moist and tender flesh. The texture of its meat is also flaky.
It is a healthy choice since it is low in calories and fat but high in protein. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is halibut similar to cod?
Halibut and cod are both white fish with a mild flavor. However, halibut is more expensive than cod and has a flakier texture.
Is halibut a good choice for those who are looking for a healthy fish option?
Yes, halibut is a good choice for those who are looking for a healthy fish option since it is low in calories and fat but high in protein.
Can I substitute Tilapia for halibut?
Yes, Tilapia is a good substitute for halibut. It is an affordable and easy-to-cook fish option that has a mild flavor.
What are some of the best methods to cook halibut?
Some of the best methods to cook halibut include baking, frying, sautéing, and grilling.
Conclusion
These are some of the best halibut substitutes that you can use in your recipes. When cooked properly, these fish can be just as delicious and satisfying as halibut. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new.
Do you have any favorite halibut substitutes? Let me know in the comments below.
