Baked Halibut Tomato Basil Relish (Printable View)

Gently baked halibut fillets paired with a vibrant tomato basil relish. A light, flavorful, and healthy dish for any occasion.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Halibut

01 - 4 (6 oz) halibut fillets, skinless
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For the Tomato Basil Relish

06 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small shallot, finely diced
09 - 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
12 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
02 - Gently pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Drizzle the halibut fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Bake the seasoned halibut for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque throughout and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
05 - While the halibut bakes, prepare the tomato basil relish. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil, finely diced shallot, and capers (if opting to use them). Add the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients gently to combine thoroughly.
06 - Once baked, remove the halibut from the oven and allow it to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
07 - Arrange the halibut fillets on individual plates. Generously spoon the vibrant tomato basil relish over the top of each fillet. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You'll adore how effortlessly elegant it feels, making even a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
  • The vibrant relish completely transforms simple baked fish, offering a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
02 -
  • The absolute biggest mistake you can make with halibut is overcooking it — it'll turn dry and tough in a flash, so keep a close eye on it!
  • Allowing the fish to rest for a couple of minutes after baking is a game-changer; it ensures every bite is juicy and tender, not dry.
03 -
  • The fresher your ingredients, especially the basil and tomatoes, the more vibrant and delicious your relish will be — quality truly shines through here.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; giving each halibut fillet space ensures it bakes evenly and gets a lovely, light crust.