Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (2024)

Tender halibut and bright vegetables tossed in a bold Mediterranean sauce with lots of citrus, olive oil, fresh garlic, and spices. An easy one-pan baked halibut recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes or less!

Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (1)

In this one-pan baked halibut recipe, a flavor-packed, decidedly Mediterranean sauce does the work of adding great flavor and also keeping this delicate white fish moist and tender as it bakes.

And since the vegetables are already cooked with the fish, you don’t need much else. But you can totally serve it over a bed of hearty grains like barley or bulgur to make use of the delicious sauce!

Halibut

Halibut fish is a tender white fish that is mild in flavor with a firm yet flaky texture. Like cod or sea bass, halibut cooks quickly and is an excellent source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as nutrients like selenium, niacin, and more.

And if you're not big on the taste of fish, you’ll likely appreciate its mild, slightly sweet taste, which makes it a great candidate for all sorts of seasonings and flavors!

In this post

  • Halibut
  • Tips for buying halibut fish
  • Halibut recipe ingredients
    • For the fish
    • The vegetables
    • Sauce or marinade for halibut
  • How to make baked halibut
  • Serve it with
  • Leftovers and storage
  • Additional baked halibut recipe questions
Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (2)

Tips for buying halibut fish

When buying fresh halibut, be sure the flesh looks white and glossy (no brown spots). The fish should also be moist and smooth. Give it a quick sniff, it should not be too pungent or overwhelming (yes, all fish will have some fishy smell, but you should not need to pinch your nose shut).

If you can’t find halibut fillet at the fish counter, look in the freezer section instead! That may even be the better option in terms of freshness because 80 percent of Pacific halibut are harvested in Alaskan waters and flash-frozen while still on the boat! Of course, be sure to properly thaw frozen fish in the fridge before using.

Halibut recipe ingredients

This halibut recipe has 3 main components: the fish, the vegetables, and the delicious Mediterranean sauce that pulls them together. Here is what you need to make this baked halibut recipe:

For the fish

You’ll need a 1 ½-pound halibut filet, cut into 1 ½-inch wide pieces. If you can’t find halibut, use other white fish filets like haddock or cod.

The vegetables

You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand for this baked fish and vegetables recipe. I like fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes, and a yellow onion sliced into half moons. Mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, and asparagus are also delicious options that would pair well with halibut.

Sauce or marinade for halibut

This bold Mediterranean sauce with lots of lemon and garlic can also be used as a marinade for the fish. If you use it as a marinade, simply toss the fish in it and cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or so. Here is what you need for the sauce:

  • Lemon juice and zest - Citrus helps to counter the brininess of fish, while also toning down any remaining fishy smell that might be present.
  • Extra virgin olive oil - You’ll need a cup of good olive oil of moderate intensity and milder flavor in this halibut recipe to complement the other flavors in the sauce without being overpowering. I recommend our Spanish Hojiblanca EVOO.
  • Garlic - A generous amount of fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor to the fish and vegetables.
  • Spices - You’ll need dry dill weed, dry oregano, and ground coriander.

How to make baked halibut

The secret to this moist, flaky baked fish recipe is in the quick sauce, which lends flavor and keeps the fish nice and tender! Once you make the sauce, you toss the vegetables and fish with it and you pop everything in the oven. Here’s how to bake halibut:

  • Make the sauce. Combine the following sauce ingredients in a large mixing bowl: zest and juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoon dill weed (I use dry), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ to ¾ teaspoon coriander.

    Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (3)

  • Prepare the vegetables. Toss the vegetables in the sauce. I used 1 pound each fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes, as well as 1 large yellow onion sliced into half moons. Remove the vegetables from the mixing bowl using a slotted spoon, because you will need the rest of the sauce for the halibut. Place the vegetables on one side of a large sheet pan.

    Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (4)

  • Prepare the fish. Cut a 1 ½-pound halibut filet into 1 ½-inch pieces. Like you did with the vegetables, toss the halibut in the sauce until well coated.

    Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (5)

    Place the fish on the sheet pan next to the veggies. If you have any sauce left, drizzle it all over the fish and vegetables.

  • Bake the fish and vegetables. Bake in a 450 degrees heated oven for about 15 minutes until the fish turns from translucent to opaque. If you like, place the sheet pan under the broiler for about 3 minutes (I like the cherry tomatoes to pop a bit). Watch carefully.

    Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (6)

Serve it with

Since the vegetables are cooked right along with the baked fish, there is really no need to add more sides. But, if you like, you can serve the halibut and veggies on a bed of barley or bulgur for a more hearty dinner.

But it’s never a bad idea to start a fish dinner with a big salad and maybe a plate of creamy avocado hummus to share with some pita chips.

Leftovers and storage

Baked halibut is best enjoyed immediately, but if you do have any leftovers, you can store them in tight-lid glass containers in the fridge for about 2 days. Personally, I prefer to eat leftover fish at room temperature so it doesn’t get rubbery. But if you want, you can heat the fish in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through (add a little bit of liquid and cover briefly).

Additional baked halibut recipe questions

What fish can I use in place of halibut?

If you can’t find halibut, you can use another white fish fillet for this recipe. Try cod, sea bass, haddock, or even red snapper fillets.

How to tell if fish is cooked?

Your fish is ready when it turns from translucent to opaque, and flakes easily with a fork. It’s recommended to cook fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. This can sometimes lead to dry fish, however, so I often remove my halibut from the oven at around 135 degrees F and allow it to sit briefly. Fish will continue to cook for a bit after it’s been removed from the heat.

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4.94 from 171 votes

One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe with Vegetables

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The Mediterranean Dish

Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (11)

You'll love this simple baked halibut recipe with colorful vegetables tossed in a citrus and olive oil sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in 20 minutes or less. If you can't find halibut, another white fish like cod, haddock, or red snapper would work well. This sheet pan dinner is a filling meal in one, but if you want to make the most of the zesty Mediterranean-style sauce, serve the halibut and veggies over a bed of barley or bulgur.

Prep – 5 minutes mins

Cook – 15 minutes mins

Cuisine:

Mediterranean

Serves – 6 servings

Course:

Entree

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoon freshly minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, more for later
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon ground coriander

For the Fish

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half moons
  • 1 ½ pound halibut fillet, slice into 1 ½-inch pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together. Add the green beans, tomatoes, and onions and toss to coat with the sauce. With a large slotted spoon or spatula, transfer the vegetables to a large baking sheet (21 x 15 x 1 inch baking sheet, for example). Keep the vegetables to one side or one half of the baking sheet and make sure they are spread out in one layer.

  • Now, add the halibut fillet strips to the remaining sauce, toss to coat. Transfer the halibut fillet to the baking sheet next to the vegetables and pour any remaining sauce on top.

  • Lightly sprinkle the halibut and vegetables with a little more seasoned salt.

  • Bake in 425 degrees F heated oven for 15 minutes. Then transfer the baking sheet to the top oven rack and broil for another 3 minutes or so, watching carefully. The cherry tomatoes should begin to pop under the broiler.

  • When ready, remove the baked halibut and vegetables from the oven. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Tips for moist, never dry white fish: Cooked fish has an internal temp of 145 degrees F, but this can sometimes cause fish to become dry and overcooked. I remove my halibut from the oven around 135 degrees F and let it sit for a few minutes. It will continue to cook a little as it rests. The flesh of the fish will also turn from translucent to opaque as it cooks.
  • Halibut substitutes: Try another white fish like cod, sea bass, haddock, or even red snapper fillets. You may have to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish fillet.
  • Serving suggestions: This sheet pan fish recipe is filling by itself, but a bed of barley or bulgur to soak up the sauce wouldn't hurt!
  • Leftovers and storage: You can store leftovers in tight-lid glass containers in the fridge for 2 days. Personally, I prefer to eat leftover fish at room temperature, but if you want, you can heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through (add a little bit of liquid and cover briefly).
  • Visit our shop to browse our all-natural and organic spices, olive oils, and much more!

Nutrition

Calories: 311.5kcalCarbohydrates: 11.1gProtein: 23.6gFat: 19.8gSaturated Fat: 2.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.7gCholesterol: 55.6mgSodium: 479.2mgPotassium: 861.4mgFiber: 3.2gSugar: 5.2gVitamin A: 977IUVitamin C: 28.5mgCalcium: 59.8mgIron: 1.8mg

Tried this recipe?

*This post first appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in 2019 and has recently been updated with new information and media of readers' benefit.

I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Best One-Pan Baked Halibut Recipe (20 Mins!) (2024)

FAQs

How long and at what temperature should I cook halibut? ›

The recommended cooking temperature for halibut by the USDA is 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, ensuring the fish is cooked thoroughly while remaining tender and moist.

How do you cook halibut without drying it out? ›

Baking halibut with plenty of olive oil, butter, or even in a sauce, will prevent it from drying out. 2. Poach: Try poaching delicate halibut in tomato sauce or a broth flavored with lemon and white wine, or butter, garlic, and parsley. Simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Do you rinse halibut before cooking? ›

Do you rinse halibut before cooking? You should gently rinse halibut under cold water before cooking. Pat any excess moisture off each fillet using a paper towel.

Why is my baked halibut mushy? ›

Mushy Pacific halibut Syndrome

Analyses of flesh samples by the State of Alaska's Fish Pathology Lab noted that fish with this condition have large areas of body tissue which are flaccid or jelly-like that is attributed to a non-infectious degenerative myopathy. The fillets may ooze water and are mushy when cooked.

How do you know when baked halibut is done? ›

For halibut, an internal temperature between 120-140 degrees is suitable for a medium to well-done outcome, and cod is best served at 140 degrees. Grab your food-grade thermometer and insert at the thickest part of the fish to get the most accurate reading.

How is halibut supposed to be cooked? ›

The most classic way of cooking halibut is pan-frying a fillet and serving it on a bed of greens with a simple sauce. To pan-fry, heat a generous amount of butter in a pan, and when it starts to foam then put the fillets in skin-down cooking until it is crispy.

What makes halibut so good? ›

The proteins you get from eating halibut are complete proteins. That means they provide every essential amino acid that your body can't make on its own. It promotes heart health. Halibut meat contains nutrients that keep the heart healthy, such as selenium, magnesium, niacin, and omega-three fatty acids.

What percentage of meat do you get from a halibut? ›

Since most sport caught halibut will not be consumed fresh because of size and/or the distance to your home, a guide to freezing halibut is included here. First, with a decent filleting job you can expect about a 50 percent recovery of meat from your fish. That is, a 30 lb. halibut should give you about 15 lbs.

Why do you soak halibut in milk? ›

We've found an easy way to eliminate the smell: Soak the fish or the shellfish meat in milk for 20 minutes and then drain and pat dry. The casein in milk binds to the TMA, and when drained away, it takes the culprit that causes fishy odor with it. The result is seafood that's sweet smelling and clean-flavored.

Why is halibut difficult to cook? ›

Halibut is a lean and delicate fish, which means it can easily become dry and overcooked if not handled properly. However, with the right techniques, you can cook halibut so that it is tender, moist, and flavorful. Halibut is challenging to cook without drying out because of its ultra-low fat content.

What to serve with baked halibut? ›

10 Sides to Serve with Halibut
  • Cilantro Lime Slaw. Original Photo on Gimme Some Oven. ...
  • Green Beans with Lemon Herb Brown Butter.
  • Autumn Harvest Salad with an Orange Vinaigrette. ...
  • Lemon Couscous. ...
  • Spring Pesto Roasted Tomatoes. ...
  • Roasted Asparagus. ...
  • Herby Pea Salad. ...
  • Air-Fried Radishes.
Aug 10, 2022

Do you flip fish when baking? ›

The answer to the equation is the ideal baking time for the fish you are cooking. For example, if you are making fish fillets that are ½ inch thick, the ideal baking time will be 5 minutes. Since fish can fall apart easily, you should only flip it once, halfway through baking.

What is the white stuff coming out of halibut? ›

Contrary to popular belief, it is not fat, rather a simple protein that is most evident on salmon and some white fish like halibut. It's called albumin and regardless of how your fish is prepared – broiled, baked or barbecued, this harmless, curd-like substance can appear at any time.

Should you let fish get to room temperature before cooking? ›

Let it Reach Room Temperature Before Cooking. When you add cold fish to a hot pan, it will cook unevenly. It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long.

What temperature does halibut need to be cooked to? ›

Know the Right Internal Temperature for Halibut

For a firm-but-flaky fish, shoot for a perfect medium (130 to 135°F). The center will be opaque, but not glossy or pink. If a rare, or medium-rare is more to your liking, look for temperatures around 120°F for rare and 125°F medium rare.

What is the best temperature to cook fish? ›

When frying fish, the oil should be preheated to a temperature between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C) for optimal results. What temperature should fish be cooked to? To reiterate, the safe and ideal internal temperature for most fish according to the FDA is 145°F (63°C).

What temperature should fish be cooked to? ›

What temperature should fish be cooked to? Fish and other seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this cooked temperature, fish meat develops an opaque, white color up to the center and flaky meat characteristics.

What temperature and time to cook fish? ›

Roast on high heat: Cook your fish for 18-20 minutes at 450°F, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. (Cooking time will vary according to the type/size of your fish.) Then remove from the oven.

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