The platter showcases small, golden nuggets of halibut, dabbed with a vibrant green dollop of avocado relish and drizzled with the creamy cilantro lime aioli. Colorful garnishes of chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro sprigs, and zesty lime wedges surround the bites, making the plate pop with color and appetizing textures.

Spicy Halibut Bites with Avocado Relish and Cilantro Lime Aioli

Name: Spicy Halibut Bites with Avocado Relish and Cilantro Lime Aioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: halibut fillets, 1 lb cut into 1-inch cubes; chili powder, 1 tbsp; cumin, 1 tsp; salt, 1 tsp; black pepper, 1/2 tsp; avocado, 1 medium diced; red onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped; jalapeno, 1 seeded and finely chopped; cilantro, 1/4 cup finely chopped plus extra for garnish; lime, 1 juiced and zested; mayonnaise, 1/2 cup; garlic clove, 1 minced; cooking oil, as needed

Category Appetizer

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style Tex-Mex

Technique Pan-Searing

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: April 17, 2025

This recipe brings a twist to traditional Tex-Mex flavors with the addition of succulent halibut. Combining spice-rubbed halibut with a zesty avocado relish and a bright cilantro lime aioli, this unique appetizer promises to deliver an exciting taste journey.

Ingredients (for 4)

Halibut fillets - 1 lb - cut into 1-inch cubes
Chili powder - 1 tbsp
Cumin - 1 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
Avocado - 1 medium - diced
Red onion - 1/4 cup - finely chopped
Jalapeno - 1 - seeded and finely chopped
Cilantro - 1/4 cup - finely chopped plus extra for garnish
Lime - 1 - juiced and zested
Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup
Garlic clove - 1 - minced
Cooking oil - as needed

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌶️🥣🐟

Combine chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice mix into the halibut cubes, then set aside.
Step 2 - 🥑🌶️🧊

Mix diced avocado, chopped red onion, jalapeno, juice of 1/2 a lime, and 2 tbsp cilantro. Once combined, chill in the fridge.
Step 3 - 🌿🍈🧄

In a blender, combine the remaining cilantro, lime juice, zest, mayo, and minced garlic clove. Once smooth, chill it in the fridge.
Step 4 - 🔥🐟🍳

Heat a pan to medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Pan-sear the halibut cubes until they turn golden. Once cooked through, drain the cubes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5 - 🍽️🥑🍋

For serving, top each seared halibut bite with a spoonful of the chilled avocado relish. Drizzle some aioli on top and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Additional

This is a versatile dish that can be customized with different proteins or veggies. Kids can help in mixing the avocado relish and aioli. Serve it as an appetizer or can even be turned into little sliders for parties!