Mediterranean Baked Halibut
Looking for a delicious and healthy fish dinner recipe? This Mediterranean Baked Halibut is a fantastic choice, offering a simple yet elegant meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Halibut Fillets: You can substitute with cod, snapper, or even thick-cut salmon fillets.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or diced large tomatoes work well.
- Kalamata Olives: Green olives or a mix of both can be used.
- Fresh Herbs: Oregano and parsley are key, but you can also add dill or basil.
- Lemon: Both fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for brightness.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz) halibut fillets, skin off
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools Needed: Baking dish, cutting board, sharp knife, small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Vegetables and Herbs
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve your cherry tomatoes, pit and halve the Kalamata olives, and thinly slice your red onion. Mince your garlic and chop your fresh oregano and parsley.
2. Combine the Mediterranean Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, minced garlic, chopped oregano, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine.
3. Season the Halibut
Pat your halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly and prevents steaming. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish, then season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
4. Arrange for Baking
Place the seasoned halibut fillets in a baking dish. Spoon the Mediterranean vegetable mixture evenly over and around the fish. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of the halibut and vegetables.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the halibut is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fish. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired. This is a perfect healthy fish dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra tang.
- Include some chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) in the vegetable mixture.
- Serve over a bed of quinoa or couscous to make it a more substantial meal.
- Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Mediterranean Baked Halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or a low oven until just heated through to avoid drying out the fish. This keeps your delicious fish dinner recipes fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use frozen halibut? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning.
- What side dishes pair well with this? Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or a side of rice are excellent choices.
- How do you know when the halibut is cooked? The fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? While best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely cook this ahead for a quick healthy fish dinner recipe during the week.
- Can you use different herbs? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dill, thyme, or basil to suit your taste.
- What if you don’t have Kalamata olives? Regular black olives or even green olives can be used in a pinch, but Kalamata olives offer a distinct Mediterranean flavor.
