Heavenly Halibut lives up to its enchanting name, delivering a weeknight sensation that feels restaurant-worthy without the stress. Each tender fillet is layered with a creamy, citrus-brightened Parmesan crust, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a main course that feels both indulgent and light, reliable yet impressive—a perfect gateway into the world of easy, elegant seafood you’ll genuinely want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Heavenly Halibut are the simple, everyday ingredients that come together so effortlessly, each bringing its own unique contribution. From the rich tang of Parmesan to the freshness of green onions, nothing is complicated, but every flavor shines through.
- Halibut fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Pristine, mild, and flaky—halibut truly is the star here, absorbing all the luscious flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy binder that keeps the topping moist and sumptuous while lending a subtle richness without overpowering the fish.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Just a splash brightens everything up, balancing the savory with a pop of zing.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty hit and helps create that irresistible golden crust on top.
- Green onions, finely chopped (1/4 cup): They bring color and a touch of mellow sharpness, taking this dish from simple to special.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch for depth—nothing too garlicky, just enough to round out the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the halibut.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little mild heat to tie all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle over the top wakes up the entire plate with freshness and color.
How to Make Heavenly Halibut
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Let’s set the scene for your Heavenly Halibut by cranking up your oven to a toasty 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a baking dish—just enough to prevent sticking, while allowing the fillets to sizzle—so when it’s time to bake, you’re ready to go with no last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Halibut
Gently lay each halibut fillet into the prepared baking dish in a single layer—no crowding here! Season both sides with just the right amount of salt and black pepper. These foundational seasonings are all about drawing out the fish’s mild, sweet flavor and setting the stage for that luscious topping.
Step 3: Mix Up the Heavenly Halibut Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and flecked with green. This is where the magic really begins—each component of the topping plays beautifully with the rest, creating a mixture you’ll want to spread thickly and evenly over each halibut fillet.
Step 4: Slather and Bake
Generously spoon the creamy topping over every piece of halibut, using a spatula or back of your spoon to smooth it edge to edge. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely toward the end. You’re looking for bubbling, golden goodness and flaky fish that can be gently pulled apart with a fork. The aroma is irresistible—this is the moment Heavenly Halibut shines!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re a fan of fresh herbs (and I am!), sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley over each serving. It adds a burst of color and a subtle snap of flavor, making the presentation as heavenly as the first bite.
How to Serve Heavenly Halibut
Garnishes
Heavenly Halibut is a dream canvas for bright, fresh garnishes. A dusting of chopped fresh parsley or even chives quickens the dish with color and fragrance. Slices of lemon or a twist of zest also look lovely on each plate, offering an extra option for those who adore citrus.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides that let the rich topping and flaky fish steal the spotlight. Think steamed asparagus, perfectly blanched green beans, or a vibrant garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier pairing, fluffy white rice or roasted fingerling potatoes are both so inviting alongside Heavenly Halibut.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate each halibut fillet atop a swirl of herbed whipped potatoes or nestle it beside a colorful medley of sautéed spring vegetables. Try serving Heavenly Halibut family-style on a platter with plenty of lemon wedges and scattered fresh herbs—it’s the kind of presentation that brings everyone together for an effortless, elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Heavenly Halibut (a rare but happy situation!), transfer the cooled fillets to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Stored properly, the fillets will stay tasty for up to two days, though the topping may soften a touch in the fridge.
Freezing
While you can freeze Heavenly Halibut, keep in mind that creamy toppings made with mayonnaise and cheese may lose some of their texture after thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap each portion tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about one month—defrost slowly in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through, about 8 to 10 minutes. If you like, add a small splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to refresh the flavors. Resist the microwave if you can—the oven keeps the topping from separating and maintains the halibut’s delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I make Heavenly Halibut with other types of fish?
Absolutely! Try it with any mild white fish like cod, haddock, or even tilapia if halibut isn’t available. Just watch the cooking time—thinner fillets may bake faster, so keep an eye out for that signature golden topping and flakiness.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can swap out full-fat mayonnaise for a light version, or even use plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lower-fat topping. The results stay creamy and satisfying but with a lighter touch.
What’s the best way to tell if the fish is done?
Look for the topping to be bubbling and golden, and slide a fork into the thickest part of a fillet—it should flake easily and appear opaque throughout. Overcooking can dry out the fish, so pull it from the oven as soon as it’s just cooked through.
Is Heavenly Halibut gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since all the ingredients, including the topping, contain no wheat-based components. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy, elegant gluten-free main course.
Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Definitely! Mix the creamy topping up to a day ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container. When it’s dinnertime, simply spread it over the halibut fillets and bake—no last-minute mixing required.
Final Thoughts
Heavenly Halibut is proof that a stunning seafood dinner doesn’t have to be fussy or time-consuming. With just a handful of fresh-tasting ingredients and a quick bake, you get a dish that feels like a treat every time. I can’t wait for you to try this and share it around your table!
Print
Heavenly Halibut Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this heavenly halibut recipe. Tender halibut fillets coated in a savory Parmesan and mayo topping, baked to perfection. A simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Halibut fillets:
4 fillets (about 6 oz each)
Mayonnaise mixture:
1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the fillets: Season halibut with salt and pepper in the dish.
- Make the topping: Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan, green onions, and garlic powder. Spread over fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily and topping is golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe can be adapted for other white fish like cod or haddock.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
