Sheet-Pan Halibut with Fennel
Flaky, tender halibut fillets roasted alongside caramelized fennel and sweet cherry tomatoes on a single sheet pan. Everything cooks together in about 20 minutes, soaking up a bright lemon-garlic olive oil. An elegant weeknight dinner that looks beautiful on the plate with hardly any cleanup.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan.
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper if you like.
TIPLining the pan with parchment makes cleanup effortless and prevents the tomatoes from sticking. - prep · ~3 min
Toss the fennel and tomatoes with olive oil.
1.Spread the sliced fennel and whole cherry tomatoes on the prepared sheet pan.2.Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables.3.Scatter the garlic slices over everything.4.Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.5.Toss gently with your hands to coat evenly. - roast · ~10 min
Roast the vegetables for 10 minutes.
Slide the sheet pan into the oven and roast until the fennel begins to soften and the tomatoes start to wrinkle, about 10 minutes.
TIPDon't skip this head start. The fennel needs extra time to become tender and sweet. - prep · ~2 min
Season the halibut.
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
TIPDrying the fish helps it brown instead of steam in the oven. - roast · ~2 min
Add halibut and lemon to the pan.
1.Pull the sheet pan from the oven.2.Nestle the halibut fillets among the fennel and tomatoes.3.Tuck the lemon rounds around the fish and vegetables.4.Return the pan to the oven immediately.TIPWork quickly so the pan doesn't lose too much heat. - roast · ~11 min
Roast until the fish is cooked through.
Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the halibut flakes easily with a fork and the fennel is deeply caramelized at the edges.
TIPHalibut is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F. It will carry over to 140°F as it rests. - garnish
Garnish with fresh dill and serve.
Scatter the chopped fresh dill over the fish and vegetables. Serve straight from the sheet pan or transfer to plates.
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 they sear, not steam, in the oven.
- 2Give the fennel a 10-minute head start so it softens and caramelizes alongside the quicker-cooking fish.
- 3Nestle lemon rounds under and around the fish to infuse the flesh with bright citrus as it roasts.
- 4Check halibut doneness at 10 minutes — it flakes easily and reads 130-135°F internally.
- 5Leave cherry tomatoes whole; they burst in the oven and release sweet juices that glaze the fennel.
- 6Sheet-pan dinners taste best fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days; reheat gently in a low oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-Oil
Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons total and use a nonstick sheet pan or parchment paper — the vegetables and fish will still soften and roast without sticking, lowering the fat content while keeping the bright flavors.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
This recipe is already dairy-free as written, but for a richer finish, dollop a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream on the side — adds creaminess without any milk products.
Seafood SwapSeafood Swap
Replace halibut with cod, sea bass, or thick white fish fillets — they cook at the same rate and flake similarly, making this a versatile base for whatever sustainable white fish is available.
Herb VariationHerb Variation
Swap fresh dill for basil, parsley, or tarragon — each herb brings a different aromatic note; basil leans sweet and peppery, parsley bright and clean, tarragon adds a subtle licorice edge that pairs beautifully with fennel.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Halibut provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety without heavy saturated fats.
Source of Anti-Inflammatory Fats
Olive oil and halibut contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to reduced inflammation and heart health.
Supports Digestive Health
Fennel bulb is a natural source of dietary fiber and compounds that can help soothe digestion and reduce bloating.
High in Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes and lemon are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, antioxidants that support immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw the frozen fillets completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture during roasting.
