Crispy Bang Bang Halibut: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Bang Bang Halibut is a show-stopping dish that combines crispy, golden halibut bites with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This recipe brings bold flavors and textures to your table, making it a perfect choice for seafood enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is quick, easy, and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The light and crunchy panko coating ensures every bite of halibut is packed with texture.
• Bold Flavors: The bang bang sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and creaminess.
• Quick and Easy Prep: From start to finish, this dish takes just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or even as a filling for fish tacos.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Halibut:

• Fresh halibut fillets, cut into bite-sized strips
• All-purpose flour (or coconut flour for a gluten-free option)
• Cornstarch for added crispiness
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor
• Eggs for binding
• Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating
• Neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Creamy mayonnaise as the base
• Sweet chili sauce for a touch of sweetness
• Sriracha for heat (adjustable to preference)
• Honey to balance the flavors
• Fresh lemon juice for brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha or honey levels based on your desired heat and sweetness. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while you prepare the halibut.

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, the sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

To ensure a smooth breading process, set up three shallow bowls:

• Bowl 1: Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This dry mixture will help the egg adhere to the halibut.
• Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until frothy. Adding a splash of water or milk can help thin the mixture slightly for better coverage.
• Bowl 3: Add the panko breadcrumbs. For an extra burst of flavor, mix in finely chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika.

3. Bread the Halibut

Take each piece of halibut and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the halibut into the panko breadcrumbs, gently patting to ensure an even layer. Place the breaded pieces on a plate while you finish the rest.

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Tip: For the crispiest results, let the breaded halibut sit for 5-10 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better to the fish.

4. Fry the Halibut

Heat a neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep to ensure the halibut cooks evenly without soaking up too much oil. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle when dropped in), carefully add the halibut pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the fried halibut to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy halibut on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the prepared bang bang sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Halibut pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting base.
• Salads: A crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a healthy side.
• Tacos: Use the halibut as a filling for soft tortillas topped with shredded cabbage and extra sauce.

For a fun twist, consider serving the dish family-style on a large platter with lime wedges and extra sauce for everyone to customize their portions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftover Bang Bang Halibut can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the halibut in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
• Freezing: Uncooked breaded halibut freezes well for up to 3 months. Place the pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know when the halibut is fully cooked?
A: Halibut is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Its internal temperature should reach 130-135°F.

Q: Can I use a different type of fish?
A: Absolutely! Cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi are excellent substitutes.

Q: What should I serve with Bang Bang Halibut?
A: Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or use it as a taco filling.

Q: Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Bake or air-fry the halibut instead of frying, and substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder version.

Q: Can I use frozen halibut?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely before breading and cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to keep fried halibut crispy?
A: Serve immediately or reheat in an air fryer to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Halibut is a deliciously versatile dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold sauce, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry the halibut, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization and creativity. Try it today and experience the perfect harmony of crunch, spice, and sweetness!