Coconut Poached Alaska Halibut with Mango-Avocado Salsa

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Alaska halibut fillet poached in coconut milk, plated over jasmine rice and topped with mango-avocado salsa, garnished with fresh herbs on a warm-toned plate.

This tropical-inspired dish features wild Alaska halibut poached straight from frozen in fragrant coconut milk with warm spices. Topped with a vibrant mango-avocado salsa and served over jasmine rice, it’s a bold, flavorful dinner that’s as convenient as it is impressive.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

  • Prep Time:

    10 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    20 minutes

  • Total Time:

    30 minutes

  • Servings:

    4

  • Ingredients:

    Coconut-Poached Halibut

    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
    • 1/3 cup diced yellow onion (1 1/2 ounces)
    • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1, 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1 ounce)
    • 2, 13.5-ounce cans coconut milk
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
    • 4, 6-ounce frozen Alaska halibut fillets
    • 3 cups spinach, bok choy or chard (optional)

    Mango-Avocado Salsa

    • 1 mango, diced
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
    • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving (about ½ cup per person)
  • Instructions:

    1. Run frozen Alaska halibut fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze and pat dry with a paper towel.
    2. Heat the coconut oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until everything is aromatic and the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.
    3. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, salt, and vinegar, and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, add the halibut, and reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer. Cover and cook until halibut is just cooked through and opaque, about 10-12 minutes depending on thickness and doneness. Halibut should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Carefully transfer halibut to a plate.
    4. With the heat still on, throw in spinach or other leafy greens into the poaching liquid. Using tongs, mix until just wilted (about 2 minutes), then remove.
    5. While the halibut is poaching, mix together the mango, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt to taste. If you like a little heat you can add a pinch of cayenne as well.
    6. Serve poached halibut over steamed jasmine rice. Spoon some of the poaching liquid on top, then top with mango-avocado salsa.