Baked Halibut with Fennel and Tomatoes
Flaky halibut fillets nestled on a bed of tender, caramelized fennel and bursting cherry tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired sheet-pan dinner comes together with minimal effort and delivers bright, fresh flavor in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Preheat the oven and prep the vegetables.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Trim the fennel bulb, cut in half, remove the core, and slice thinly.3.Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the garlic cloves. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the vegetables with oil and seasoning.
In the baking dish, combine sliced fennel, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and add a pinch of salt. Toss to coat and spread into an even layer.
- bake · ~10 min
Roast the fennel and tomatoes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast until the fennel begins to soften and the tomatoes start to release their juices, about 10 minutes.
- prep · ~1 min
Season the halibut fillets.
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the fish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- assemble · ~2 min
Nestle the halibut into the roasted vegetables.
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Gently toss the vegetables, then place the seasoned halibut fillets on top of the fennel and tomato mixture. Arrange lemon slices around the fish.
- bake · ~11 min
Bake until the halibut is cooked through.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the halibut is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 130°F to 135°F for medium.
TIPHalibut dries out quickly. Check a minute before the timer goes off so it stays moist. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish with lemon juice and fresh dill.
Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Scatter the chopped dill on top and serve immediately straight from the baking dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the halibut fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming.
- 2Use a thin, sharp knife to remove the fennel core cleanly without wasting flesh.
- 3Arrange the lemon slices under the fish to infuse it with citrus flavor during baking.
- 4Check halibut doneness at the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking; it flakes easily when ready.
- 5Let the baked dish rest for 2 minutes after removing from the oven to allow juices to settle.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently at 300°F.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon total and use a nonstick baking sheet or parchment paper. Halibut remains moist from the vegetable juices.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap halibut for an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken breast; increase baking time by 5–7 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
jainJain
Omit garlic and substitute with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a similar aromatic depth. Follow all other steps.
veganVegan
Replace halibut with thick slices of firm tofu or portobello mushrooms; bake for the same time until golden and heated through.
gluten freeGluten-free
The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Confirm your baking dish and utensils are uncontaminated if serving gluten-sensitive guests.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Halibut is a lean source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
High in Vitamin C
Cherry tomatoes and lemon juice provide a significant dose of immune-supporting vitamin C.
Good Source of Fiber
Fennel bulb offers dietary fiber that aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Low in Saturated Fat
This dish relies on heart-healthy olive oil and lean fish, keeping saturated fat minimal.
Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables
Fennel and tomatoes contain antioxidants like lycopene and quercetin that fight oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
