Ina Garten’s Foolproof Baked Halibut Recipe for Perfect Results

Baked halibut represents the pinnacle of elegant seafood dining, transforming a simple fish into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort.

Ocean-fresh halibut carries delicate flavors that sing when prepared with thoughtful simplicity and precise technique.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in maintaining the fish’s natural moisture while enhancing its subtle taste profile.

Each fillet becomes a canvas for delicate seasonings, promising a sophisticated meal that feels both refined and approachable.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge with precise cooking methods, creating a dish that feels simultaneously luxurious and uncomplicated.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this mild fish from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen: Prepare to fall in love with seafood all over again.

Fun Variations of Ina Garten Baked Halibut

• Mediterranean Herb Halibut: Swap rosemary with oregano and thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese before sealing the parchment package for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper, include diced bell peppers and onions inside the parchment packet for a zesty New Orleans-inspired version.
• Asian Ginger Fusion: Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar, add minced ginger and sliced green onions, then drizzle with sesame oil before baking to create an east Asian-inspired seafood experience.
• Buttery Herb Garden: Mix softened butter with chopped parsley, chives, and dill, spread the herb butter over the halibut before baking to enhance the fish's rich, creamy texture and add fresh herbal notes.

Concluding Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

Succulent halibut emerges as Mediterranean magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen, promising restaurant-quality elegance with minimal effort.

Rosemary-infused fillets transport palates to coastal landscapes with each delicate bite.

Parchment paper preserves delicate fish proteins, sealing maximum flavor and moisture within its gentle embrace.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating culinary poetry without complicated techniques.

Garten’s signature approach transforms basic seafood into extraordinary dining experiences.

Readers who savor this recipe will want to snap a photo, share their delicious creation across social platforms, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts with their newfound seafood mastery.

Why Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Savor Delicate Ocean Flavors: This halibut recipe captures the pure, clean taste of fresh fish without overwhelming it, letting the natural maritime essence shine through with just a hint of lemon and rosemary.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: The parchment paper method (en papillote) ensures perfectly moist and tender fish every single time, preventing overcooking and preserving delicate textures while trapping all the delicious juices inside.
• Enjoy Lightning-Fast Weeknight Meal: With just five simple steps and a total cooking time under 20 minutes, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality seafood dish that's incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking elegant yet effortless dining.
• Embrace Healthy Protein Power: Halibut offers a lean, low-calorie protein option packed with essential nutrients, making this recipe a nutritious choice that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction, perfect for health-conscious food lovers seeking a delightful meal.

Core Ingredients for Ina Garten Baked Halibut

• Halibut Fillet: Fresh, high-quality white fish with delicate flavor, best when bought from a reputable fishmonger on the day of cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural taste of the halibut, choose sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus adds brightness and helps tenderize the fish, select ripe, firm lemons with smooth skin.
• Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings earthy and pine-like notes to the dish, look for sprigs with vibrant green color and strong fragrance.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil provides rich flavor and helps keep the fish moist, choose cold-pressed varieties for best taste.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick baking paper creates a steaming effect and helps seal in moisture during cooking, ensures easy cleanup.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Baked Halibut

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to get ready for delicious halibut.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 3: Add Zesty Flavor

• Fresh lemon juice (about )
• Extra virgin olive oil (about )

Nestle a fragrant sprig of fresh rosemary on top of the fish.

Step 4: Create a Steamy Packet

Carefully fold the parchment paper in half, covering the halibut completely. Crimp and fold the edges tightly to seal in all the delicious flavors, creating a cozy little package.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the parchment packet onto a baking sheet and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the halibut is perfectly cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque and have a delicate, tender texture.

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Baked Halibut

• Seal Flavor Brilliantly: Parchment paper creates a steamy cocoon that locks in moisture, transforming ordinary halibut into a succulent seafood masterpiece.
• Detect Freshness Instantly: Seek out pristine halibut with crystal-clear white flesh and a subtle ocean breeze aroma that promises exceptional taste.
• Sprinkle Seasoning Wisely: Delicate halibut craves just a whisper of salt, allowing its natural sweetness to dance on your taste buds.
• Elevate with Herbal Magic: Fragrant rosemary weaves an elegant herbal symphony that transforms the mild fish into a gourmet sensation.
• Verify Doneness Perfectly: A quick meat thermometer check ensures your halibut reaches the golden 145°F sweet spot – tender, safe, and irresistibly flaky.

How to Store Ina Garten Baked Halibut

• Freezer Storage: Seal baked halibut in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and flavor preservation.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Store leftover baked halibut in shallow, sealed containers to retain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Position fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 2-3 days for peak freshness and safety. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Reheating Strategy: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed halibut in the oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Cover with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Ina Garten Baked Halibut Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired halibut dreams come alive with Ina Garten’s elegant seafood creation. Fresh halibut fillets bathe in zesty lemon, herbs, and olive oil, delivering restaurant-quality perfection you can master in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) boneless halibut fillet

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 large sprig of fresh rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking surface by laying out a sheet of parchment paper approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) larger than the halibut fillet.
2. Position the halibut fillet centrally on the parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for seasoning.
3. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the entire surface of the fish, creating a uniform seasoning layer.
4. Carefully drizzle fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the seasoned halibut, allowing the liquid to coat the fish evenly.
5. Gently place a single fresh rosemary sprig directly on top of the fillet, distributing its aromatic herbs across the fish.
6. Carefully fold the parchment paper in half, creating a triangular shape that completely encases the halibut.
7. Crimp and fold the edges of the parchment paper tightly, forming a sealed packet that traps moisture and flavors.
8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the temperature is consistent before placing the fish inside.
9. Transfer the sealed parchment packet onto a rimmed baking sheet, positioning it in the center of the oven.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.

Notes

• Elevate your seafood game with this foolproof halibut recipe that turns home cooking into a gourmet experience.
• Select the freshest halibut available, preferably from a local fishmonger who specializes in high-quality seafood.
• Parchment paper creates a magical steaming environment that locks in moisture and infuses the fish with incredible flavor.
• Rosemary brings a fragrant Mediterranean touch that transforms the mild halibut into a sophisticated dish.
• Drizzle fresh lemon juice to brighten the fish’s delicate buttery profile and add a zesty Mediterranean-inspired note.
• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within two days for maximum freshness and taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg