Zesty Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel Recipe

Crisp weeknight dinners become pure magic when sheet pan halibut meets bright citrus and aromatic herbs.

Zesty orange slices and delicate fennel fronds create a stunning Mediterranean-inspired landscape on your cooking surface.

Fresh ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Delicate fish transforms under high heat, developing golden edges and tender, flaky texture.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with surprising ease.

Clean-up becomes a breeze when everything roasts together in one pan.

You’ll want to savor every herbal, citrusy bite of this simple yet sophisticated seafood dish.

Why Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel Is a Must-Try

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Sheet pan magic transforms complex cooking into a single-pan wonder, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze.
• Nutrition Packed Plate: Fresh halibut delivers high-quality protein while fennel and oranges add vibrant nutrients, creating a balanced and wholesome meal.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Professional-level dish comes together with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Adaptable recipe works beautifully for casual family dinners or elegant entertaining, matching different dining scenarios with equal sophistication.

What You’ll Need for Sheet Pan Halibut

• Halibut Fillets: A delicate white fish that provides a mild, tender protein for the dish.
• Fennel Bulb: A crisp vegetable with a subtle anise flavor that adds texture and aromatics to the recipe.
• Orange: Fresh citrus that brings bright, zesty notes and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat and cook the ingredients while adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that provides depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.

• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant herb that adds a fresh, green finish and a pop of color to the completed dish.

Easy Steps for Sheet Pan Halibut with Citrus Zing

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F. Grab a sheet pan and line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Fennel Base

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Drizzle and sprinkle these ingredients over the fennel to create a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 3: Roast the Fennel

Slide the pan into the oven and let the fennel soften for about 10 minutes.

This creates a delicious bed for the fish.

Step 4: Add the Halibut

• Remaining olive oil
• Additional Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Arrange bright orange slices on top of the fish for a burst of citrusy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the halibut flakes easily with a fork and the fennel turns tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, healthy meal!

Smart Tips for Sheet Pan Halibut Success

• Pat halibut fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and better flavor absorption.
• Choose fresh, firm halibut for the best texture and avoid overcooking, which can make the fish tough and dry.
• Use a sharp knife to slice fennel thinly for even cooking and maximum caramelization during roasting.
• Add a splash of white wine or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish just before serving to brighten the dish's flavors.
• For a gluten-free option, replace Italian seasoning with a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil.

Fresh Twists for Sheet Pan Halibut

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Citrus Swap: Use grapefruit or lime slices instead of orange to create a different citrusy undertone that complements the halibut's delicate texture.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and add thin slices of jalapeño alongside the fennel for a zesty, warming variation that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Asian-Inspired Version: Substitute Italian seasoning with ginger, add soy sauce, and top with green onions for an east-meets-west seafood experience.

Delicious Pairings for Halibut with Orange and Fennel

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that complements the bright orange and delicate halibut flavors, enhancing the dish's fresh and light profile.
• Citrus-Herb Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with fresh orange segments, fennel fronds, and a lemon vinaigrette to mirror the sheet pan's vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Rustic Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender fish.
• Mediterranean Couscous: Prepare a quick couscous with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of olive oil to complement the halibut's delicate and aromatic preparation.

Sheet Pan Halibut Storage Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the fish completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent the fish from becoming tough.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 275°F, place fish in a covered baking dish with a small amount of liquid, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps preserve the fish's delicate texture.
• Discard: If the halibut has been stored for more than 2 days or shows signs of spoilage, throw it away to prevent foodborne illness.

Your Sheet Pan Halibut Questions Answered

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Halibut is ideal, but you can substitute with cod, sea bass, or other white fish with similar texture and mild flavor.

• How do I know when the halibut is perfectly cooked?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque white throughout. Overcooking can make it dry, so watch carefully during the 8-12 minute roasting time.

• Can I use dried or fresh fennel?

Fresh fennel bulbs are recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using dried fennel seeds, use sparingly as they have a more intense taste.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for low-carb diets. It’s also a good option for those seeking a light, healthy protein-rich meal.

Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 28-32 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with sheet pan halibut, blending citrusy orange and licorice-like fennel into a quick, elegant seafood dinner. Succulent halibut emerges perfectly roasted, promising coastal flavors that invite you to savor each Mediterranean-inspired bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 halibut fillets
• 1 bulb fennel, sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup and even cooking.
2. Arrange fennel across the pan, coating with olive oil and sprinkling with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor infusion.
3. Roast fennel for approximately 10 minutes until it softens and develops a slight golden edge, creating a caramelized base.
4. Carefully position halibut fillets atop the partially roasted fennel, drizzling with remaining olive oil and seasoning generously with additional Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Artfully layer orange slices over the fish to impart citrusy moisture and bright flavor during cooking.
6. Return pan to oven and roast for 8-12 minutes, monitoring fish until it becomes translucent, flakes effortlessly, and reaches perfect doneness.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch.
8. Serve immediately while fish remains warm and fennel retains its tender, aromatic quality.

Notes

• Swap halibut with other delicate white fish like cod or sea bass if unavailable, ensuring similar cooking times for perfect texture.
• Use mandarin or blood oranges for a sweeter, more intense citrus flavor that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
• Prevent overcooking fish by checking internal temperature reaches 145°F and watching for opaque, flaky texture that separates easily with fork.
• Enhance Mediterranean profile by adding kalamata olives or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over dish just before serving for extra depth and richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg