If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and nutritious dish, Baked Halibut with Herbs is the perfect choice. Halibut, known for its mild taste and firm texture, pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet elegant enough to impress your guests at a dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Halibut with Herbs Recipe
Halibut is a lean, protein-rich fish that’s incredibly versatile. Baking it with herbs enhances its natural flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Plus, this dish is gluten-free, low in calories, and packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, making it both delicious and healthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
For the Baked Halibut with Herbs:
Lemon wedges, for serving
4 halibut fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Timing: Faster Than You Think!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutess!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, dill, thyme, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant herb blend.
Step 3: Season the Halibut
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Lemon
Brush the herb mixture generously over each fillet, ensuring even coverage. Place a lemon slice on top of each piece of fish for a burst of citrus flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the baked halibut to serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy this light and flavorful dish immediately!
Tips for Perfect Baked Halibut
- Don’t Overcook: Halibut can become dry if overcooked. Keep a close eye during baking to ensure it remains tender.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure perfectly cooked fish.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the halibut to rest for a minute or two after baking to let the juices redistribute.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 450mg
Serving Suggestions
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Over Rice: A bed of wild rice or quinoa complements the fish’s delicate flavor.
- With a Light Salad: Pair with a fresh arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette.
- On a Bed of Orzo: Lemon herb orzo adds a delightful texture contrast.
- As Fish Tacos: Flake the baked halibut and serve in tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado.
Variations to Try
- Garlic Butter Halibut: Replace olive oil with melted butter and increase the garlic for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Herb Halibut: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a subtle kick.
- Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the baking dish for a vibrant touch.
- Panko-Crusted Halibut: Top the fish with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a crispy finish.
- Lemon Caper Sauce: Drizzle a light lemon caper sauce over the baked halibut for added tanginess.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture.
- Freeze: Wrap the baked halibut tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Frozen Fish: Thaw thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to steaming instead of baking.
- Skipping the Lemon: The acidity balances the richness of the fish and enhances the herbal notes.
- Cooking at Low Temperature: A higher oven temperature helps achieve a flaky, tender texture.
- Not Seasoning Properly: The simple seasoning of salt and pepper is essential for drawing out the fish’s natural flavors.
- Crowding the Dish: Leave space between fillets to allow even cooking and browning.
Final Thoughts
Baked Halibut with Herbs is a straightforward, flavorful, and healthy recipe that makes seafood cooking approachable and rewarding. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this dish delivers the perfect combination of freshness and elegance. Enjoy this satisfying meal with your favorite side dishes and relish the delicate, aromatic flavors of this delightful fish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?
A: Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to ensure a good sear.
Q: What herbs can I substitute?
A: You can use basil, tarragon, or chives if you don’t have parsley, dill, or thyme.
Q: Can I cook the halibut on the stovetop instead?
A: Yes, sear it in a hot pan with olive oil and butter for about 3-4 minutes per side.
Q: Is it okay to marinate the halibut beforehand?
A: While not necessary, marinating with lemon and herbs for 20 minutes before baking enhances the flavor.
Q: What can I do with leftover halibut?
A: Flake it and make a halibut salad or use it in fish tacos for a quick meal the next day.
Experience the simple elegance of Baked Halibut with Herbs tonight. With its bright flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your seafood repertoire! 🍽️ minutes before baking.
