How to Fillet Pacific Halibut Like a Pro – Step-by-Step Guide
How to Fillet a Pacific Halibut: Step-by-Step Guide for Clean, Professional Results
If you're planning a big family gathering or seafood feast and you've decided to buy a whole Pacific halibut, let’s make sure you know how to cut it wisely and professionally. With the right steps and a little guidance, you can break down your halibut like a pro — and get the most delicious results possible.
Follow our step-by-step instructions below, then watch our full Pacific Halibut Fillet Video to see how it’s done in action.
Why Pacific Halibut Is a Seafood Lover’s Favorite
Pacific halibut is prized for its firm texture, mild flavor, and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're grilling, baking, pan-searing, or making ceviche, halibut delivers high-quality protein and essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. It's a top choice for home chefs and seafood connoisseurs alike.
Learn how to break down this flatfish like a pro so you can enjoy every ounce of its delicious meat at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Filleting Pacific Halibut
Step 1: Start at the Tail
With the head already removed, place the halibut white-side up. Begin by cutting just above the tail, at the edge of the side fins. Carefully slice through the skin and slightly into the meat along the fin line to create your starting point.
Step 2: Work Along the Side Fins
Continue slicing up along the natural curve of the side fins, moving from the tail toward the area where the head was. Follow the natural contours of the fish without cutting too deep — this preserves the clean structure of the fillet.
Step 3: Cut Down the Center Line
Make a precise incision along the middle of the fish’s back, following the spinal line from tail to collar. This will guide the separation of the fillets into two clean halves.
Step 4: Slide and Lift the First Fillet
Working from the center cut, slide your knife toward the ribs, staying just above the bones. Use your other hand to gently lift the fillet as you slice, helping you see and maintain close contact with the bone for maximum yield.
Step 5: Repeat for the Second Fillet
Repeat the same slicing motion on the opposite side — center to outer edge — to release the second top fillet cleanly.
Step 6: Flip the Halibut and Repeat
Turn the fish over to the darker skin side and repeat steps 1–5 to remove the remaining fillets. This ensures all four fillets are removed with precision.
Step 7: Optional — Skin and Trim
If desired, remove the skin by sliding a sharp knife between the skin and flesh, starting at the tail. Trim away any bloodline or fatty tissue to refine your fillets.
Shop Premium Pacific Halibut Online
At Global Seafoods, we offer sustainably sourced, premium-quality halibut products, shipped fresh or frozen to your door. Perfect for family dinners, gourmet recipes, or healthy meal prep.
Explore Our Halibut Collection:
📺 Need a visual guide? Watch our detailed tutorial on the Global Seafoods YouTube channel to see this halibut filleting method in action.
Final Thoughts on Cutting Halibut Like a Pro
Learning to fillet a Pacific halibut can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you'll handle this prized fish like a professional. Whether you're prepping for sashimi, steaks, or oven-baked dishes, precision filleting ensures you get the most out of every catch.
🛒 Ready to cook? Visit Global Seafoods to buy fresh Pacific halibut online and bring restaurant-quality seafood to your kitchen.
Also in Video
How to Fillet, Skin & Pan-Fry Fresh Turbot — Chef Tips + Adjika Sauce Recipe
Discover how to turn a whole fresh turbot into a restaurant-quality dish. This guide covers filleting, skinning, trimming, pan-frying, and preparing sides like bok choy, potato scallops, and adjika sauce.
How to Make a Dry-Aged Ahi Tuna Sushi Roll at Home — Chef Joshua’s Step-by-Step Recipe
A complete recipe showing how to make a Dry-Aged Ahi Tuna Sushi Roll at home using Chef Joshua’s method: sliced tuna topper plus a spicy minced tuna filling. Includes step-by-step instructions and premium seafood recommendations.
How to Fillet Idiot Rockfish (Kinki) and Cook a Crispy-Skin Dinner With Wild Mushrooms & Ratatouille
Discover how to fillet Idiot Rockfish (Kinki) and prepare a crispy-skin seafood dinner with wild mushrooms and homemade ratatouille. Step-by-step instructions and chef-level tips.
Shop Now
Main
News & Updates
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…