Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (2024)

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This baked halibut with bread crumbs recipe is easy to make but so flavorful. It’s a great option for people who aren’t sure they like fish – I’ve converted many self-proclaimed fish haters to like halibut with this recipe!

I really love fish, but I used to have this thing where I didn’t like to put seasoning on fish. I like the real taste of good quality, wild fish with just a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. It feels like polluting the fish to add too much seasoning, or – heaven forbid – fry it. But lately, I like fish recipes that go beyond just salt and pepper and lemon, like the baked halibut with bread crumbs recipe I’m sharing today. Now I even like fried fish– fish and chips is just a delicious combo!

I got this recipe from my mom years ago and tried it on some halibut I got at the store one night for dinner. I wasn’t 100% sure how it would turn out since I didn’t have much experience breading and baking fish, but I am so glad I tried it. And I feel a bit silly even admitting that since breading and baking fish is just about the easiest way to prepare it!!!

This recipe works well on any white fish, but I especially love the texture and mild flavor of halibut.

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (1)

Halibut fishing in Alaska

I’ve always been partial to halibut since we grew up with a freezer stocked with it. For a while, my dad went to Alaska every year to fish and as each of us kids turned 21, we got to go with him. (I have 5 older brothers so there was an Alaska trip every few years!). I would give anything to go back to that week and have that time with my dad. Now especially as I live across the country from him and it’s so hard being so far from home, I think back to how special that trip was, just the two of us. And, of course, I got to help stock the freezer with halibut (and salmon!).

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (2)

My dad was so proud that I caught the biggest halibut on our charter boat! (Sorry for the low res-photos…this was long before digital cameras, so this is a photo of a photo!)

And to this day, nearly 15 years after that trip, I still think of those good memories with my dad. I also think about growing up and watching my mom prepare fish for dinner. It’s amazing how food can trigger so many memories, and I love creating new memories with loved ones over a good meal. And this is definitely a good meal.

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (4)

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe

You don’t need too many ingredients, and honestly, if you have a decently stocked kitchen, most of these ingredients are already in your pantry. You just need to get the halibut. Halibut is in peak season around August, but many stores will have a frozen option to make it year-round. I recommend using halibut for this recipe because it doesn’t have a strong fishy taste. If anything it’s a little sweet. This is why using the flavored bread mixture adds the perfect element to the halibut without having the fish taste overpower the Italian seasoning. But, it would work with any white fish if you can’t find halibut!

  • 2 halibut filets, skin removed
  • 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs (buy gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1/4 t dried oregano
  • 1/4 t dried basil
  • Scant 1/4 t garlic powder
  • 1 T fresh parsley (or 1 t dried)
  • 1/8 t salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 T melted butter or Earth Balance
  • Olive oil for the pan
Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (5)

Ingredients

Halibut is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and has a large variety of nutrients including many micronutrients like selenium, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, and B12. It’s also a pretty awesome form of protein and it tastes delicious. (While we’re discussing fish, always opt for wild-caught fish for better flavors since they have a more varied diet and their meat is leaner and less fatty.)

Bread crumbs probably aren’t the most nutrient-rich ingredient in this recipe, but they sure add that extra flavored texture, don’t they? If you are gluten-free, try buying a box version or make your own! There are some great and super easy recipes out there.

Oregano has some great nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Plus it adds that delicious Italian flavor!

Basil also packs a punch. It’s a rich source of vitamin K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Parsley is a high source of vitamin A and vitamin K. It’s also rich in antioxidants, supports bone health, and contains nutrients to help protect your eyes.

Salt is a great source of sodium and depending on which type of salt you use in your recipes (Himalayan, Celtic, sea, or table salt), you might be getting in some calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, too.

Butter can be a tricky one on the nutrition scale. It’s definitely flavorful, which is why I love using it in this recipe. Butter contains a great source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help support immune function. If you are dairy-free (or just avoiding butter), Earth Balance is a great alternative.

Olive Oil is the king of oils for me. It’s rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it just tastes amazing!

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (6)
Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (7)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2

Combine the bread crumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, parsley, salt & pepper into a small or medium-sized bowl.

Step 3

Add the melted butter into the dry ingredients bowl and mix well. It will kind of look like wet sand.

Step 4

Coat the halibut with the bread crumb mixture, patting it onto the fish to make it stick.

Step 5

Put the halibut in a greased baking dish and drizzle a little olive oil on top.

Step 6

Bake for 20-30 minutes until it flakes in the middle. Try not to overcook it (it’s really easy to do). You want it just flaky, not rubbery!

Step 7

Serve on a plate and enjoy!

Let me know what you think of the recipe in the comments below!

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Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (8)

Baked Halibut with Italian Breading

  • Author: Teri from A Foodie Stays Fit

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 halibut filets, skin removed
  • 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs (buy gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1/4 t dried oregano
  • 1/4 t dried basil
  • scant 1/4 t garlic powder
  • 1 T fresh parsley (or 1 t dried)
  • 1/8 t salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 T melted butter or Earth Balance
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine the bread crumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, parsley, salt & pepper. Add the melted butter and mix well. It will kind of look like wet sand.
  3. Coat the halibut with the bread crumb mixture, patting it into the fish to make it stick.
  4. Put the halibut in a greased baking dish and drizzle a little olive oil on top.
  5. Bake for 20-30 minutes until it flakes in the middle. Try not to overcook it. You want it just flaky, not rubbery!

Do you remember when I first shared this recipe back in 2012? If so, thanks for being such a long-time reader! Here’s a photo from way back then. The new ones are definitely improved, ha!

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (9)

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Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (10)

Baked Halibut with Bread Crumbs Recipe - A Foodie Stays Fit (2024)

FAQs

How long does halibut need to be cooked for? ›

The recommended cooking temperature for halibut by the USDA is 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness.

How do you keep halibut moist when cooking? ›

When searing halibut in cast iron, use plenty of oil or butter (or both, like in the recipe above) to prevent your fish from drying out. Trying halibut recipes that call for moist heat, like poaching or braising, are also a great way to go.

Why is my baked halibut tough? ›

When a meaty Pacific halibut fillet is cooked just right, it is succulent and flaky. But step away from the kitchen too long, and you might end up with overcooked fish. Because Pacific halibut is such a lean species of fish, it can take on a particularly tough texture when cooked too long.

How to cook halibut Martha Stewart? ›

Brush grates with oil, add vegetables, and grill, turning a few times, 6 minutes. Add fish to grill and top with oregano. Cook fish and vegetables, turning fish once halfway through, until fish is just cooked and vegetables are charred in places and tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.

Do you rinse halibut before cooking? ›

Pan-Seared Marinated Halibut Fillets FAQs

Halibut should not be rinsed before cooking. The cleaning process of filets should be done with a paper towel or some other way to wipe the fish down. Rinsing may contaminate the flavor and dilute its briny taste.

How do you know when halibut is fully cooked? ›

The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it's done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees.

Should you soak halibut in milk before cooking? ›

Before cooking, soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes

In this scenario, the protein in the milk binds with the compounds that cause that fishy odor, in essence extracting if from the fish. What's left behind is sweet-smelling, brighter flesh with clean flavor.

Why is my cooked halibut mushy? ›

The fillets may ooze water and are mushy when cooked. While the cause of the condition is unknown, it is thought to be the result of nutritional deficiencies. Microscopically, there is muscle fiber atrophy and sometimes infiltration by inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and calcification of atrophied fibers.

Can you undercook halibut? ›

Aim for an internal temperature anywhere between 130 degrees F and 135 degrees F. Any lower than this, and halibut won't flake easily with a fork. Cooked past 135 degrees F, Pacific halibut can become quite tough and difficult to flake.

Why is halibut so expensive? ›

It sits on a pedestal for fish eaters and is sustainably harvested from pristine, glacial-fed waters. However, compared to other types of white fish like haddock, wall eye, blue gill, farmed tilapia, cod, or others, Alaskan halibut can be relatively expensive due to its high quality and small-boat fisherman sourcing.

Should halibut be cooked at room temperature? ›

Tip: If your halibut was in the fridge, let your fish comes to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Place the halibut fillets in a large cast-iron skillet and turn the heat to medium heat. Sear the halibut for 3-4 minutes. Using a turner, flip your halibut fillets over to cook the other side.

What is the best temperature to cook halibut? ›

If you prefer your halibut medium rare, cook to a temperature of at least 125°F. At this temperature, the halibut will not flake as readily since the flesh is lean. We don't recommend cooking halibut higher than 135°F. Beyond this temperature the fish becomes tough and dry.

Why is my halibut rubbery? ›

The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

How do you keep halibut from drying out? ›

Keep the fish moist. Halibut is naturally low in fat, so it can dry out quickly during the cooking process. To prevent this, brush both sides with oil or melted butter before cooking halibut. You can also marinate the fish in oil or a flavored prepared marinade for a few hours before you cook it.

Can you eat halibut medium rare? ›

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.

Can you eat undercooked halibut? ›

To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and mercury exposure, it is recommended to cook Pacific Halibut thoroughly before consuming it. Cooked fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill any harmful bacteria and parasites.

Does halibut have to be cooked all the way? ›

One way to avoid overcooking the halibut is to use a cooking thermometer. A halibut steak is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the fish is cooked through, but not overcooked.

How long is raw halibut good for? ›

Fresh Halibut will keep in your fridge for 2-3 days. To prolong the shelf-ife of your Halibut, freeze it—it will keep in your freezer for six months.

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