Mediterranean Halibut with Cherry Tomato Relish
This Mediterranean-inspired halibut dish is a delight for the taste buds, boasting a vibrant combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy capers, all harmonized by a zesty lemon dressing. Inspired by a memorable dining experience in Moss Landing, this recipe captures the essence of fresh ingredients and simple preparation, allowing the halibut to shine. The contrast of flavors creates a balanced dish perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends. The addition of fresh flat-leaf parsley brightens up the overall presentation, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Serve it atop a bed of angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious juices for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (Juiced)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (None)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (None)
Cherry tomatoes
1 cup (Quartered)
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (Pitted and chopped)
Capers
2 tablespoons (Rinsed and drained)
Flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Halibut steaks or fillets
2 lbs (For four pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
3
Gently fold in the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, rinsed capers, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
4
Place the halibut steaks or fillets in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the tomato relish mixture over the fish, ensuring it is well coated.
5
Transfer the baking dish to the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, or until the halibut is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6
Once removed from the oven, stir in the chopped flat-leaf parsley. Serve the halibut hot, drizzled with the sauce. Freshly ground black pepper can be added to taste. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of cooked angel hair pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Halibut with Cherry Tomato Relish?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish featuring halibut fillets baked with a zesty relish made from cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and a lemon-mustard dressing.
What kind of fish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for halibut steaks or fillets, approximately 2 pounds for four pieces.
What are the main ingredients for the tomato relish?
The relish consists of quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, rinsed capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the halibut?
The halibut should bake for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish pieces.
How do I know when the halibut is finished cooking?
The fish is ready when it is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the dressing and add tang.
Can I use a substitute for halibut?
While halibut is preferred, other firm white fish like cod or sea bass can be used as a substitute.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot, drizzled with the baking juices, over a bed of angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce.
Should I rinse the capers before adding them?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 2 tablespoons of capers should be rinsed and drained to remove excess brine.
How do I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be quartered before being folded into the relish mixture.
What kind of parsley is recommended for the garnish?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended; it should be chopped and stirred in after the fish is removed from the oven.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this dish is categorized as healthy because it uses fresh vegetables, lean protein, and heart-healthy olive oil.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil, which is whisked into the lemon juice and mustard.
Can I prepare the relish in advance?
Yes, you can mix the relish ingredients ahead of time, though it is best to add the fresh parsley right before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps and a relatively short cooking time.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pitted and chopped Kalamata olives.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses olive oil and mustard for the dressing instead of butter or cream.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the 2 lbs of halibut for four pieces, this recipe typically serves four people.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, specifically 1/3 cup.
What seasoning is required?
The relish is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, and additional freshly ground black pepper can be added at the end.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Slowly whisk the olive oil into the lemon juice and Dijon mustard until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
Can I grill the fish instead of baking?
While the recipe instructions are for baking, you could grill the halibut and top it with the relish separately.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The fish and relish are gluten-free, but if serving over pasta, ensure you use a gluten-free pasta variety.
What size baking dish do I need?
Use a baking dish large enough to hold the halibut steaks or fillets in a single layer.
Can I use frozen halibut?
Yes, you can use frozen halibut, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish is sweet from the tomatoes, briny from the olives and capers, and tangy from the lemon dressing.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a memorable dining experience in Moss Landing, focusing on fresh ingredients.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
The instructions do not mention covering the dish, as baking it uncovered allows the relish to roast and the fish to cook evenly.
Can I use other herbs?
While flat-leaf parsley is traditional, you could experiment with fresh basil or oregano for a different Mediterranean twist.