Ina’s Dreamy Foolproof Baked Halibut Recipe: Ocean Magic

Baked halibut emerges as the crown jewel of seafood cuisine, elevating a simple ocean catch to a gourmet sensation.

Pristine and delicate, this fish whispers subtle flavors that dance on your palate with elegant restraint.

Professional kitchens understand the art of preserving halibut’s tender essence through careful preparation.

Silky fillets become a blank canvas for Mediterranean-inspired seasonings that transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Each bite promises a symphony of nuanced tastes that celebrate the fish’s natural richness.

Light, bright, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality magic right to your dining table.

You’ll want to bookmark this incredible dish that turns weeknight dinners into culinary celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 1

Everything for Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

• Halibut Fillet: Select fresh, firm fish with a clean ocean scent and pearly white color, avoiding any brown spots or strong fishy odors.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Choose fine sea salt for even distribution and freshly cracked black pepper for robust, bright flavor.

• Fresh Lemon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Rosemary: Pick bright, firm lemons with smooth skin, cold-pressed olive oil with grassy notes, and vibrant green rosemary sprigs with aromatic leaves.

• Parchment Paper: Use unbleached, non-stick parchment paper that can withstand high oven temperatures without tearing.

Tools and Pans for Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

• Baking Sheet: Sturdy, flat metal pan to hold the parchment-wrapped halibut.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick, heat-resistant paper for creating a steamy cooking packet.
• Fork: Essential for checking fish doneness and flaking the halibut.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for drizzling olive oil and lemon juice.
• Oven: Preheated to 400°F for perfectly baked fish.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for preparing ingredients and handling the fish.

How to Bake Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

• Preheat Culinary Stage

Warm your kitchen sanctuary to a perfect 400°F, creating an inviting atmosphere for your halibut’s flavor journey.

• Fish Preparation Magic

Unfurl a parchment paper canvas and gently place your halibut centerpiece. Sprinkle with whispers of salt and pepper, transforming the fish into a blank culinary masterpiece.

• Flavor Infusion

Drizzle liquid gold of fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil across the fish. Crown your creation with a fragrant rosemary sprig, releasing aromatic promises of deliciousness.

• Wrapping Flavor Treasure

Fold the parchment paper into a tender embrace, sealing edges tightly like a loving culinary hug. Ensure no delectable essence can escape your flavor sanctuary.

• Baking Transformation

Slide your flavor packet into the waiting oven. Let it dance and transform for 12-15 minutes until the halibut becomes a tender, flaky revelation that breaks apart effortlessly under gentle fork pressure.

Seasoning Tweaks for Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

Explore exciting flavor twists and cooking techniques to elevate this simple seafood dish.

Replace rosemary with fresh thyme, dill, or parsley for a totally different aromatic experience. Each herb brings its own unique personality to the delicate fish.

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes before sealing the parchment for a zesty kick that transforms the mild halibut into a flavor-packed meal.

Splash a tablespoon of white wine or dry vermouth into the parchment packet before sealing. This secret ingredient adds depth and keeps the fish incredibly moist during cooking.

Tuck thin slices of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus alongside the halibut in the parchment packet. These vegetables steam beautifully and create a complete one-packet meal with zero extra dishes to wash.

How to Plate Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

• Pair with Bright Side Salad: Toss together a fresh mixed green salad with crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the delicate halibut.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare fluffy quinoa seasoned with chopped parsley and a touch of lemon zest as a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
• Create a Coastal Plate: Arrange the parchment-baked halibut alongside roasted asparagus spears and a small dollop of herbed aioli for an elegant seafood presentation.
• Wine and Dine: Pour a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the fish's subtle, delicate flavors.

Storage Instructions for Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap the fish tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep its delicate texture intact.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the fish's moisture and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make halibut tough and rubbery.
• Freezing for Later: Cool the cooked halibut completely before freezing. Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve optimal flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the halibut packets in advance and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. This makes dinner preparation a breeze when you're short on time, allowing you to simply slide the packet into the oven when ready to cook.

Elegant Baked Halibut Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s halibut recipe combines delicate fish with Mediterranean herbs and simple ingredients. Crisp lemon and fresh parsley elevate this elegant seafood dish that guests will savor with pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) halibut fillet, boneless
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 sprig rosemary, fresh

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position parchment paper on work surface, creating a base slightly larger than the halibut fillet, centered with precision.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat halibut with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to enhance natural flavors. Delicately place a rosemary sprig atop the fillet for aromatic infusion.
3. Packaging: Fold parchment paper into a tight triangular envelope, meticulously crimping edges to seal in moisture and preserve the fish’s delicate texture.
4. Thermal Treatment: Activate oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning the sealed halibut packet centrally on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until fish becomes translucent and effortlessly flakes when tested with a fork.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking: Check halibut at 12 minutes to avoid drying out, as fish cooks quickly and can become tough when overexposed to heat.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure parchment packet edges are completely crimped to lock in moisture, creating a steamy environment that keeps fish tender and flavorful.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality, fresh halibut and rosemary to maximize the dish’s delicate flavor profile and aromatic qualities.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal fish temperature reaches 145°F, guaranteeing perfect doneness without guesswork.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg