Piri Piri Halibut Recipe – Spicy Citrus Fish with Mint Pea Purée

Piri Piri Halibut Recipe

This piri piri halibut recipe delivers bold, spicy flavours balanced with a cool and creamy mint pea purée. Featured on Fish the Dish, this dish combines chili-marinated halibut with fresh herbs, citrus, and vibrant greens, making it a perfect choice for an easy yet impressive seafood meal.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the fiery flavours of Portuguese and African piri piri cuisine, this dish showcases how spice can enhance rather than overpower delicate seafood. Traditionally used as a marinade or sauce for grilled meats, piri piri is known for its punchy combination of chili, garlic, oil, and citrus. In this recipe, that bold marinade is paired with halibut—a mild, flaky fish that absorbs flavour beautifully while maintaining its natural sweetness.

On Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts often brings global influences into simple, approachable recipes, and this dish reflects that signature style. The addition of a mint pea purée offers a cooling contrast to the heat of the chili, creating a well-balanced plate that feels fresh, modern, and visually striking. It’s a perfect example of how contrasting elements—spicy and creamy, rich and refreshing—can come together in harmony.

Ingredients

Piri Piri Halibut

• Four 4-6 oz Pieces of halibut
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Chopped parsley
• 1 Scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (keep the seeds in if you want the extra heat)
• 4 Garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 Tbsp (90 ml) Grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil)
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) Salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Sweet paprika
• Oil (for searing)
• Salt for seasoning
• Lime juice
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Mint Pea Purée

• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive oil
• 2 Green onions, thinly chopped
• ½ a stick (60 g) Unsalted butter
• 2 cups (500 ml) English peas, shelled (about 12 oz)
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Mint leaves, torn
• 3 Tbsp (45 ml) Plain Greek yogurt
• 100 ml Water or stock (use as much is needed to achieve desired consistency)

Methods

• Preheat the oven to 400°F/205°C
• Combine parsley, chillies, garlic, grapeseed oil, salt, and paprika in a plastic bag.
• Add the halibut, seal the bag, and massage to coat the fish. Place in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
• Use tongs to transfer marinated halibut from the bag to a paper towel-lined plate. Scrape off some of the marinade and chilies from the halibut. Season with salt.
• Heat oil in a skillet.
• Place halibut in a hot oiled pan to crust for about 2 min over medium-high heat. Flip the fish and move the pan into the oven for 3-5 minutes until cooked through.
• Start your pea purée.
• Heat the oil in the pan.  Add onion and soften over medium-high heat.
• Add the butter and peas. Season with a pinch salt.  Cook for 2 minutes or until peas have softened.
• Transfer the peas and butter to a blender. Add fresh mint and blitz for about 20 seconds. Add yogurt. Blitz again until smooth.  Add water or stock as needed to achieve desired consistency.
• Baste the cooked halibut in its pan juices. Plate on top of the pea puree. Squeeze lime juice over top and garnish with a lime wedge.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with simple sides such as roasted baby potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a light quinoa salad. These accompaniments complement the bold flavours without overwhelming the plate. When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the citrus and herb notes of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lime or a mint-infused drink enhances the freshness of the meal.

This dish also works wonderfully for entertaining, as it can be plated elegantly with minimal effort. The contrast between the golden seared halibut and the bright green purée creates a visually stunning presentation that is sure to impress guests.

Final Thoughts

This piri piri halibut recipe is a vibrant celebration of bold spice and fresh, cooling flavours. The chili-infused marinade brings heat and depth to the delicate halibut, while the mint pea purée adds a creamy, refreshing contrast that ties the dish together beautifully. It’s a perfect example of how simple techniques and high-quality ingredients can create a meal that feels both exciting and balanced.

Whether you’re looking to explore global flavours or simply want a quick and elegant seafood dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s approachable, flavourful, and visually stunning—an ideal addition to any home cook’s repertoire.