You only need a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes to make this delicious panko crusted halibut, with a crunchy exterior and a perfectly flaky interior. It combines the lightness of fresh halibut, with the aromatics of pesto, lemon, and parsley, and the crispy texture of panko breadcrumbs.
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About This Recipe
Halibut is known for its delicate flavor and meaty texture and it goes perfectly with the crunchy, golden crust. This baked panko crusted halibut is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. It has the perfect contrast between the soft, tender fish and its crispy exterior and layered with the incredible aromas of basil pesto, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
This baked halibut recipe is incredibly easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes! Serve it alongside Pesto Broccolini, Creme Fraiche Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic, and Garlic Rosemary Challah for a perfect meal.
📋 Ingredients
- Halibut fillets: You can use either fresh or frozen halibut fillets for this recipe. If you want to use frozen ones, thaw the fish overnight in the fridge.
- Basil Pesto: Pesto is a versatile Italian sauce made with basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts. Buy it jarred or make your own Basil Almond Pesto.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley works best for this recipe, because of its fresh aroma and delicate flavor. If parsley isn't available, add fresh thyme leaves to the panko mixture.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs and they are chunkier and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. You can use them on any kind of veggie, seafood, or meat, like this Chicken Katsu.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness and will help the crust brown beautifully.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
🍋 Substitutions and Variations
- Halibut: Can't find halibut? Try using cod or haddock or cod for similar flaky textures.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free: Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan can be used as a dairy-free alternative. Also, make sure to buy a vegan pesto.
- Herbed Crust: Mix in dried Italian herbs or fresh dill with the panko breadcrumbs for an aromatic twist, similar to this Herb Crusted Salmon.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Lemon-Pepper Crust: Incorporate lemon zest and cracked black pepper into the panko breadcrumbs for a citrusy flavor profile.
⏲️ Instructions
Step 1. Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Spread a layer of basil pesto on top of the fillets.
Step 3. Mix the panko with Parmesan, olive oil, and parsley. Add on top of the fillets.
Step 4. Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the panko is golden brown and fish is cooked through.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels, which will help the seasonings stick easily.
- Use fresh and good quality ingredients for the best flavorful result.
- Make handmade basil pesto in just 10 minutes to use in this and many more recipes.
- Keep an eye on the halibut after 8-10 minutes. Thinner fillets will need less cooking time and thicker halibut fillets may need up to 15 minutes to cook.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen halibut fillets. Just ensure the fish is fully thawed and patted dry before breading to avoid a soggy crust.
For the best texture, it's recommended to bread and bake the fish just before serving. However, you can mix the breadcrumb coating in advance.
Absolutely! This panko crust works well with many types of fish, like cod, or salmon. Make sure to adjust the cooking times for thickness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked halibut with a light and fluffy quinoa salad or with roasted pesto broccolini for a balanced meal. For an easy weeknight dinner, you can serve it with a side of lemon orzo salad.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
Panko Crusted Halibut
LittleFerraroKitchen.com
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 4-6 ounce halibut filets
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dry the halibut well with paper towels and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Season the fish with salt and pepper and spread a tablespoon of the basil pesto onto each halibut filet.
- In a small bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and olive oil and stir to combine.
- Layer the panko mixture onto of the halibut, gently pressing down.
- Bake the halibut for 10-12 minutes until the halibut is just cooked through and panko is lightly golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.
Notes
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- Pat the fish dry with paper towels, which will help the seasonings stick easily.
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- Use fresh and good quality ingredients for the best flavorful result.
-
- Make handmade basil pesto in just 10 minutes to use in this and many more recipes.
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- Keep an eye on the halibut after 8-10 minutes. Thinner fillets will need less cooking time and thicker halibut fillets may need up to 15 minutes to cook.
- For another Seafood recipe with an Italian Spin, try my Halibut Piccata or my Lemon Butter Lingcod. If it's a Shrimp dish you want try my Tuscan Shrimp Pasta.
Luv2cook says
Halibut was not our Top Pick for fish night, It Is NOW! This recipe makes everybody happy. Easy to prepare, quick to cook and a bright fresh finish. Fresh herbs and citrus really does add a fantastic flavor.
Blake says
We just spotted this great looking recipe. Halibut was on sale yesterday so the timing is WONDERFUL. We have made recipes from Chef Samantha in the past and they are all Great. Gonna surprise the famiy this evening with this one. Thank you Chef.