Why you should cook halibut with pesto
You will enjoy making Halibut with Pesto because it requires very few ingredients and minimal effort. The white fish has a firm texture that holds up well when baked in the oven. Using a good quality sauce ensures every bite is packed with herb and garlic flavours. It is a healthy choice that feels special enough for a weekend dinner too.
Follow these 4 steps for halibut with pesto
Prepare the fish: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a baking tray with paper. Pat the halibut fillets dry with a piece of kitchen towel. Season both sides of the fish lightly with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on the prepared tray with a small gap between them.
Add the topping: Use a small spoon to spread a thick layer of green sauce over the top of each fillet. Ensure the Halibut with Pesto has an even coating to keep the fish moist while it cooks. You can use store bought sauce or a homemade version if you prefer. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil over the top if desired.
Bake the fillets: Put the tray into the centre of the oven. Bake the fish for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is ready when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish as it can become dry quite quickly.
Serve the dish: Remove the tray from the oven and let the fish rest for a minute. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the Halibut with Pesto just before serving. Serve the fillets immediately while they are hot and juicy. This dish pairs well with steamed greens or new potatoes.
My best tips for halibut with pesto
Always choose fresh fish fillets with a bright white colour and a firm feel for the best results. If your fillets are very thick you might need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. You can also try different types of sauce like sun dried tomato or red pepper pesto to vary the flavour of your Halibut with Pesto.
Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top of the sauce can provide a nice crunch to the dish. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the fish if you are unsure if it is done. It should reach about 60C when fully cooked. If you do not have an oven you can also cook this in a covered pan on the hob.
Find more ideas here:
danish meat and potato hash with bacon,
pickled chilli or
pasta with vegetables.
