This mango halibut recipe is a vibrant celebration of tropical flavors and wholesome ingredients! Featuring tender halibut fillets coated in warm spices, a creamy coconut milk sauce, and the natural sweetness of fresh mango, this dish is as nutritious as it is irresistible. Naturally gluten-free, packed with lean protein, and bolstered by antioxidant-rich spinach, it delivers a balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or light entertaining.

We developed this recipe to bring together bold South Seas-inspired flavors while prioritizing your health goals. After testing numerous variations, we’ve perfected a version that’s easy to prepare, bursting with taste, and loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re trying to eat more omega-3-rich foods, incorporate more veggies, or simply enjoy a delicious dinner, this recipe checks every box.
Why This Mango Halibut Recipe Is Good for You
- Rich in lean protein: Halibut provides over 31g of protein per serving, making it ideal for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
- High in vitamins and minerals: Mangoes are packed with vitamin C, which supports your immune system, while spinach offers a hefty dose of iron and calcium.
- Heart-healthy fats: Light coconut milk adds creaminess without overloading on saturated fat, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Low-carb friendly: This recipe fits easily into gluten-free, keto, and low-carb diets by omitting grains and focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits: Spices like turmeric (found in curry powder) and coriander bring anti-inflammatory properties to the dish.
Wholesome Ingredients for This Mango Halibut Recipe
Let’s take a closer look at a few star ingredients that make this dish both nutritious and delicious:
- Halibut: A mild, flaky white fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation. Swap for cod or mahi-mahi if unavailable.
- Mango: Naturally sweet and tropical, mangoes balance the spice in this recipe beautifully. Choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly to pressure for the best flavor.
- Light Coconut Milk: A lower-calorie alternative to regular coconut milk, this provides the creamy texture you crave without excess fat. Substitute with unsweetened almond milk for an even lighter dish.
- Spinach: Packed with iron, calcium, and fiber, spinach forms the nutritional base here. Consider kale or Swiss chard as a versatile alternative.
Mango Halibut Recipe at a Glance
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Mango Halibut Recipe Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds halibut fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large sweet red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into small wedges
- 5 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 1 can (13.66 ounces) light coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach, torn
How to Make Mango Halibut Recipe
- In a bowl or shallow dish, combine coriander, curry powder, chili powder, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the halibut pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat. Add the red peppers and onions, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Cook the marinated halibut for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Gently stir in the coconut milk, tomato paste, mangoes, and the reserved red peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- In a separate Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
- To serve, plate the wilted spinach as a bed and spoon the halibut and mango-coconut sauce on top. Enjoy immediately!
How to Customize This Mango Halibut Recipe for Your Diet
- Keto-Friendly: Reduce the mango to 1 piece or replace it with diced avocado for a lower-carb option.
- Vegan Alternative: Swap halibut with firm tofu cubes and use soy sauce to enhance flavor in the marinade.
- High Protein: Add an extra serving of fish or include cooked lentils in the spinach layer.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk, but double-check all packaged ingredients to verify.
Our Team’s Tips for the Best Mango Halibut Recipe
- For perfectly cooked halibut, look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out.
- Use ripe mangoes for maximum sweetness, but if they’re unavailable, pineapple makes a fantastic substitute.
- Pre-measure your spices and keep them organized for quicker meal prep.
- Double the recipe for meal prep—this dish keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat leftovers gently over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.
Mango Halibut Recipe FAQs
Is this mango halibut recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
To make a spicy mango halibut, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
For a lighter option, you can use unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream, though the sauce texture may differ slightly.
What makes halibut a healthy choice?
Halibut is rich in lean protein, heart-supportive omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like selenium and vitamin D.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the cooked halibut freezes well, the spinach may not retain its texture. Freeze the fish and sauce separately, then make fresh spinach when reheating.
Ready to try this nutrient-packed recipe? Share your experience below and let us know your favorite healthy dinner inspiration!

South Seas Mango Halibut Recipe
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet
- Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Bowl or shallow dish
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds halibut fillets cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large sweet red peppers cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion cut into small wedges
- 5 tablespoons canola oil divided
- 1 can light coconut milk 13.66 ounces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium mangoes peeled and chopped
- 1 package fresh spinach 10 ounces, torn
Instructions
- In a bowl or shallow dish, combine coriander, curry powder, chili powder, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the halibut pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat. Add the red peppers and onions, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Cook the marinated halibut for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Gently stir in the coconut milk, tomato paste, mangoes, and the reserved red peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- In a separate Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
- To serve, plate the wilted spinach as a bed and spoon the halibut and mango-coconut sauce on top. Enjoy immediately!
