Halibut is a mild white fish that is often used in fish tacos and fish stews. But what happens if you can’t find it at the store or it’s out of your budget? Here are the best substitutes for halibut including mahi mahi, cod, sole, haddock, tilapia, flounder, sea bass, fluke, and tuna.

Halibut fillet with fresh parsley on wooden cutting board.

Overview of Halibut

What it tastes like

Halibut fillets have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture. Halibut is a relatively lean fish with large, moist flakes when cooked.

It is often described as having a “clean” mild taste and is certainly one of my favorite fish types.

Nutrition info

Halibut is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for people looking to improve their health. It is also low in calories and fat.

I like to purchase Pacific halibut that is wild caught found in most grocery stores. I buy it frozen to help save money (see all of my tips for eating healthy on a budget).

How it’s used

Halibut can be baked, grilled, roasted, sauteed, or broiled. It is often served with sauces or other flavorful toppings to enhance its mild flavor and firm flesh.

It’s best not to overcook halibut as it can become dry.

Best Halibut Substitutes

If you can’t find halibut at your grocery store you want an alternative, here are the best options!

1. Mahi Mahi

Mahi mahi with fresh radish, lime, and thyme.
Mahi mahi.

Well known in the United States, Mahi Mahi is a type of fish that is known for its delicate flavor and firm texture. It can be grilled, baked, or fried.

Mahi Mahi is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for those who are looking to include more seafood in their diet.

I love it in my recipes for Air Fryer Mahi Mahi or Instant Pot Coconut Mahi Mahi. I eat it nonstop when I go on vacation in Hawaii.

This large fish often has a slightly softer texture than halibut and is typically lower in fat than halibut, making it a healthier option for those watching their intake.

When cooked, Mahi Mahi also tends to be moister than halibut, making it a good choice for those who prefer a juicy filet. it’s an excellent substitute though, with a similar texture and sweet taste.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of Mahi Mahi.

2. Cod

Codfish fillets with lemon wedges on cutting board.
Cod.

The flesh of the cod is white and firm, and it has a mild flavor. Cod can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and stewing. It is also a popular ingredient in fish tacos and fish and chips.

Cod is a white fish with a mild flavor and a firm, flaky texture. It is lower in fat than halibut and is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When cooked, cod tends to be moister than halibut.

Still, it makes a great substitute with its delicate taste and meaty texture.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of cod.

3. Sole

Sole fillets on slate surface.
Sole.

A type of flatfish, sole is found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Sole is a popular food fish, and it is often used in recipes for soups, stews, and casseroles. The flesh of the sole is white and flaky, and it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

This light fish is similar to halibut in terms of flavor and texture. In terms of taste, halibut is often described as being milder and sweeter than sole. It’s a good substitute though.

Sole is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of sole.

4. Haddock

Haddock fillets on wooden cutting board with lemon.
Haddock.

Haddock is a delicious, flaky fish that is perfect for a variety of recipes. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings, and it can be baked, fried, or sautéed.

Haddock is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for any meal. When shopping for haddock, look for fillets that are firm and pinkish white in color.

Haddock is a smaller fish and has a milder flavor than halibut and is also moister. It’s a great option and great fish substitute if you can’t find halibut.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of haddock.

5. Tilapia

Tilapia fillets on slate with fresh thyme.
Tilapia.

Tilapia is a type of freshwater fish that is popular for its mild flavor and versatility. Farm-raised tilapia is one of the most common seafood items in supermarkets, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Tilapia is often considered a healthy option because it is low in fat and calories. Additionally, tilapia is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Tilapia has a milder flavor than some people prefer. Halibut, on the other hand, is a bit fattier, making it richer and more flavorful.

Because it’s often sliced thinner than halibut steaks, you will probably have to reduce the cooking time when cooking tilapia. Try it in my Air Fryer Fish Tacos.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of tilapia.

6. Flounder

Flounder fillets on slate plate on wooden surface.
Flounder.

Flounder is a type of fish that is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is a lean fish, meaning that it is low in calories and fat.

Flounder is also a good source of protein, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are trying to eat a healthy diet.

Flounder can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, and grilling. It is often used as an ingredient in fish tacos, fish & chips, and fish sandwiches.

When it comes to taste, flounder is a mild-tasting fish with a delicate flavor, while halibut has a slightly sweeter taste. As for texture, flounder is a light and flaky fish, whereas halibut is firmer in texture.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of flounder.

7. Sea bass

Sea bass fillets with ice cubes, salt and lime slices.
Sea bass.

This mild fish is a popular choice for seafood lovers due to their gentle flavor and firm texture. Sea bass can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilled, baked, or sautéed.

Halibut tends to be larger and milder in flavor, while sea bass are smaller and have a more delicate flavor. Halibut also have a flakier texture, while sea bass tends to be firmer.

You may see different types of sea bass including striped sea bass and Chilean sea bass. It’s a versatile fish and one of the best alternatives to halibut.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of sea bass.

8. Fluke

Fluke flatfish fillet on green napkin and blue and white bowl.
Fluke.

Fluke has a textured white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a great source of protein and is a versatile fish.

This fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, or broiling. When cooked properly, fluke have a tender texture and delicate flavor that makes them a favorite among seafood lovers.

In terms of flavor, fluke have a milder taste than halibut and also tends to be more delicate, while halibut hold up well to hearty recipes.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of fluke.

9. Tuna

Slices of tuna fillet with lime and sesame seeds.
Tuna.

This large fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and nutritious choice. Tuna can be cooked in many different ways, from grilling to searing to baking. It is also a popular ingredient in canned and prepared foods, such as tuna salad and tuna casserole.

Like flounder, tuna is a much leaner fish than halibut, meaning that it has less fat and fewer calories. Additionally, tuna is typically darker in color than halibut, and it has a more pronounced flavor.

It’s a popular fish and a good alternative to halibut because it’s a meaty fish and comparable to halibut fish.

To substitute one serving of halibut, use one serving of tuna (either fresh or canned).

Pros and Cons

Here’s a chart summarizing the best substitutes for halibut, including their respective pros and cons:

SubstituteProsCons
Mahi MahiHigh in protein and omega-3s, delicate flavor, moist texture.Softer texture than halibut, typically lower in fat.
CodMild flavor, firm, flaky texture, versatile in cooking.Moister than halibut, may alter texture expectations.
SoleSimilar to halibut in flavor and texture, good source of protein.Flavor can be milder and sweeter than halibut.
HaddockMild flavor, good with bold seasonings, high in protein.Milder flavor and smaller size than halibut.
TilapiaLow in fat and calories, versatile in cooking, readily available.Milder flavor, less rich compared to halibut.
FlounderMild, slightly sweet flavor, lean, versatile in cooking.Lighter and flakier texture than halibut.
Sea BassMild flavor, firm texture, versatile in cooking methods.Smaller size, more delicate flavor compared to halibut.
FlukeMild, slightly sweet flavor, low in fat, tender texture when cooked.Milder and more delicate than halibut.
TunaHigh in protein and omega-3s, versatile in cooking, robust flavor.Leaner, darker, and more pronounced flavor than halibut.

This chart provides a concise overview of the alternatives for halibut, highlighting their suitability for different recipes and any considerations to keep in mind when using them in place of halibut. Each substitute offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, allowing you to tailor your choice to the dish you are preparing.

Conclusions

There are many different types of fish that can be used as a substitute for halibut. When choosing a substitute, it is important to consider your personal preferences in terms of taste and texture. Additionally, some substitutes may be more budget-friendly than others.

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.