Halibut is one of the most famous types of flatfish eaten in the world. Its mild, sweet taste balances with its firm texture, giving you a fish that works perfectly in almost all recipes. Halibut is also commonly known as Pacific or Alaskan halibut, the latter name because most of it is caught in the Alaskan part of the Pacific Ocean. And though it can be prepared in various styles and methods, the oven remains one of the most exciting techniques to use.
Why Cook Halibut in the Oven?
Halibut is considered staple seafood in many regions and is found at markets at around 10 to 60 pounds. And in many parts of Europe and the U.S., the baking method has become widely appreciated. But why bake halibut in the oven instead of using other styles for cooking it? Well, the answer is provided in three simple points;
It’s Convenient: Cooking halibut in the oven is not only a breeze but also takes very little time. You could finish preparing your dish between 12 to 20 minutes, depending on your recipe. And because it cooks at a set time and temperature, you don’t have to check its doneness constantly.
It’s Flavorful: Baked halibut is officially one of the most delicious recipes you’ll ever taste. And like all baked dishes, you get a massive dose of flavor and crispiness from the fish. The added seasonings sit perfectly in the flesh to give a whooping burst of flavors.
More Moisture: The oven method allows the fish to come out moist and tender. And the reason is simple- its short cooking time means you don’t lose much water. Plus, smearing oil or butter on the fish traps the fluids in the flesh.
More Nutritional: Halibut is rich in vitamins and minerals, including B3, B12, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It’s also pure protein and contains a rich amount of omega-3 fatty acids. But like every other fish, these nutrients would be mostly lost if cooked too long. But the oven method ensures the fish is ready without sacrificing too much of its nutritional value.
Tips for Oven-Cooked Halibut
Buying Halibut
When buying halibut, you want as much freshness as possible. And the best way is to ensure the flesh is firm, shiny, translucent, and void of coloration. You also don’t want to buy halibut with spots or yellow or green fat. And since the fish is mainly sold skinless, this should be easy to spot.
You can also buy frozen halibut or freeze a fresh one after buying it. And you’ll also find the fish in fillets or steaks since halibut is a considerably large fish.
Seasoning Halibut
You can use any combination of seasoning you like on halibut before baking. But whichever you use, it’s best always to allow it to marinate for a few minutes before you cook in the oven. This way, the seasoning will seep into the flesh and give you the most delicious recipe. Plus, it also helps to be liberal with the seasoning. You can mix the seasoning in melted butter or Olive oil and smear it on the fish. Or you could lay the fish in a shallow pool of sauce and bake straight away.
Cooking Halibut
Halibut cooks best in 400 to 450°F, for a maximum of 20 minutes. If cooked for any longer, the recipe would be ruined. If you worry about overcooking the fish, you can cook for 16 minutes and check for doneness. Some recipes suggest the ideal cooking time to be between 14 to 17 minutes, at which point the flesh flakes when pulled with a fork.
Serving Halibut
Halibut can be served with roasted potatoes, quinoa, vegetables, and even salads. It can also be paired with sauces like honey mustard, brown butter, pesto, and even tomato-based.
Now that you’ve discovered how easy this cooking method is, why not try out this simple recipe;
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Easy Bake Halibut Fillets (Servings: 4)
Ingredients
- Four halibut fillets (8 ounces each, 1 inch thick)
- One tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- One lemon, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Oil a baking sheet with a bit of olive oil. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put fillets in the dish and brush them with olive oil.
- Sprinkle pepper and salt, place the lemon slices, and drizzle in the rest of the oil. Then, cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. The halibut should flake when touched with a fork, and the flesh should be opaque. Serve with your favorite dishes and side sauce.
For more help, click on this video recipe.