Ever had one of those days when you just crave something warm and comforting but your mind’s drawing a blank on what to cook? That’s when this Easy Creamy Baked Halibut recipe swoops in like a superhero. It’s as if the ocean itself decided to give you a hug—rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a Tuesday night when the world feels a bit upside down.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect baking environment for the fish.
- Place the halibut fillet into an oven-safe dish, ensuring it sits flat for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the halibut.
- Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and no longer see-through.
- Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and, if desired, garnish the halibut with slices of lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound halibut fillet
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Sliced lemon
- Chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 1004mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 524IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What is the best way to cook halibut?
- Oven baking is highly recommended for cooking halibut. Grilling and pan searing are also effective methods.
- At what temperature should halibut be baked?
- Halibut should be baked until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- How can I prevent halibut from becoming dry during cooking?
- Be careful not to overcook the halibut, as this can dry it out. Cooking it in butter will also help maintain its moisture.
- Where can I purchase halibut?
- Halibut is available at most grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Central Market, and HEB. It can also be bought from online fish markets, especially those offering Pacific-caught halibut from Alaska.
- How should I store leftover baked halibut?
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The garlic butter sauce will solidify when chilled.
Tips
- Use Fresh Halibut: For optimal flavor and texture, opt for fresh halibut, whether farm-raised or wild-caught. If using frozen, ensure it is thoroughly thawed before cooking.
- Do Not Skimp on Butter and Seasonings: To achieve a rich, flavorful dish, use the full amount of butter and seasonings like garlic and paprika. This is essential, as halibut has a mild flavor and benefits from added taste.
- Check for Opacity: The fish is cooked perfectly when it turns opaque and loses its transparency. Avoid overcooking to ensure the fish remains moist and tender.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to three days. The garlic butter sauce will solidify in the fridge but will melt again when reheated.
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Oven thermometer (to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature)
- Fish spatula (for handling the delicate fish)
- Meat thermometer (to check internal temperature of the fish)
