Sheet-Pan Halibut with Fennel
Tender, flaky halibut roasted on a single sheet pan with sweet, caramelized fennel and juicy cherry tomatoes. A light, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean meal ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare vegetables.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, combine the sliced fennel and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Spread the vegetables in an even layer.
TIPUsing a large enough pan prevents the vegetables from steaming, ensuring they roast and caramelize properly.Roast the vegetables.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 10 minutes to give them a head start.
Prepare the halibut.
- While the vegetables are roasting, pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the fillets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon zest.
TIPPatting the fish dry helps it to cook evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy.Add halibut to the pan and bake.
- After 10 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Nestle the halibut fillets among the vegetables.
- Lay the thyme sprigs and a few lemon slices over the fish and vegetables.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
TIPThe fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F (63°C).Finish and serve.
Remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the entire dish. Serve immediately, with the roasted vegetables alongside the halibut.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan. Use two pans if necessary to ensure everything roasts instead of steams.
- 2Save the green, leafy fronds from the fennel bulb to use as a fresh garnish at the end.
- 3Halibut cooks quickly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
- 4For extra flavor, you can add a few cloves of smashed garlic to the pan with the vegetables.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To further reduce fat, use only 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the entire recipe and lightly spray the fish instead of rubbing with oil.
quickQuick
Use pre-sliced fennel and pre-washed cherry tomatoes to cut down on preparation time.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
Substitute halibut with a more affordable firm white fish like cod or tilapia. Adjust the baking time as these fillets may be thinner.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the halibut portion to 6 oz (170g) per serving for an extra boost of protein.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Halibut provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance, without a high fat content.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
As a cold-water fish, halibut is a good source of omega-3s, which support heart health and may reduce inflammation.
High in Fiber
Fennel is packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Loaded with Vitamins and Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes and lemon provide Vitamin C, while fennel offers Vitamin K and potassium, supporting immune health and protecting cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy dish. Halibut is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Fennel and tomatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.