Creamy Baked Halibut with Tomatoes and Onions
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of creamy baked halibut, a dish that brings together tender fish, luscious cream, and the freshness of tomatoes and onions. This delightful recipe, reminiscent of classic coastal cuisine, offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The halibut steaks are nestled in a bath of heavy cream, accented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the tang of juicy tomatoes. Ideal for a comforting lunch or an elegant dinner, this dish also allows for personal touches, such as the addition of sautéed spinach for a burst of color and nutrition. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
halibut steaks
2 lbs (cut into steaks)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
heavy whipping cream
1 cup (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can or 2 very ripe tomatoes (peeled and diced)
medium onion
1 (thinly sliced)
butter
3 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a shallow baking dish, generously butter the bottom to prevent sticking.
3
Place the halibut steaks in the dish, ensuring they fit snugly. Season the fish with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Pour the heavy whipping cream over the halibut, allowing it to cover the fish evenly.
5
Open the can of diced tomatoes or prepare your fresh tomatoes. Spoon the tomatoes over the halibut, spreading them out evenly.
6
Thinly slice the onion and distribute the slices generously over the top of the tomatoes. Dot the entire mixture with little pieces of butter.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to create steam as it bakes.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps cook the fish gently and allows the flavors to meld.
9
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and use a spoon to baste the halibut with the cream and juices from the pan. This adds richness to the fish.
10
Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Baste occasionally with the cream until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
11
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creamy baked halibut!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Halibut with Tomatoes and Onions?
It is a rich and savory seafood dish that features tender halibut steaks baked in a luscious heavy cream sauce with diced tomatoes and sliced onions.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of halibut steaks, salt, pepper, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 16 ounces of diced tomatoes, one medium onion, and 3 tablespoons of butter.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Generously butter the bottom of a shallow baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use two very ripe tomatoes that have been peeled and diced as a substitute for canned tomatoes.
How do I prepare the onion for this dish?
The medium onion should be thinly sliced and distributed generously over the tomatoes.
Why do I need to cover the baking dish with foil?
Tightly covering the dish with aluminum foil creates steam, which helps the halibut cook gently and allows the flavors to meld.
How long does the fish bake while covered?
The fish should be baked in the preheated oven for the first 20 minutes while covered.
What is the purpose of basting the halibut?
Basting the fish with the cream and pan juices adds richness and ensures the halibut stays moist during the final baking stage.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 35 minutes, consisting of 20 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
How can I tell when the halibut is finished cooking?
The halibut is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding sauteed spinach is a great way to add a burst of color and extra nutrition to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it ideal for both a comforting family meal and a sophisticated dinner party.
What kind of cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to create the signature luscious sauce.
How much butter is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of butter, which should be cut into small pieces and dotted over the fish and vegetables.
Should I season the halibut before adding the cream?
Yes, place the fish in the dish and season with salt and pepper to taste before pouring the cream over it.
Do I need to let the fish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe considered an easy meal?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe that is perfect for a quick dinner.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
This dish offers a perfect balance of savory cream, sweet caramelized onions, and the tangy freshness of juicy tomatoes.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
While specifically designed for halibut steaks, other firm white fish could potentially be used as a substitute.
How should the halibut be cut?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of halibut cut into steaks.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, due to its rich cream sauce and tender textures, it is categorized as a comfort food recipe.
Does this recipe require many spices?
No, it relies on simple seasoning with salt and pepper to let the fresh ingredients shine.
Can I use any type of onion?
A medium onion is recommended; yellow or white onions work well to provide sweetness when baked.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include halibut, baked fish, creamy, healthy, seafood, quick dinner, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, 2 lbs of halibut generally serves about 4 to 6 people.
Is the tomato preparation important?
Yes, if using fresh tomatoes, they should be peeled and diced to ensure a smooth consistency in the sauce.
Should the cream cover the fish?
Yes, pour the heavy cream over the halibut so that it covers the fish evenly.
Can I make this dish for lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as being ideal for either a comforting lunch or an elegant dinner.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe, focusing on fresh seafood and vegetables.