Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal

Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel recipe is no exception. The delicate halibut fillets are perfectly complemented by the sweet citrus and anise notes of orange and fennel, creating a light, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients. Halibut is a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while fennel provides fiber and antioxidants. Oranges contribute vitamin C and a burst of fresh flavor. It’s a complete and balanced meal that’s both satisfying and good for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in just 15-20 minutes.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Everything cooks on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Flavorful and Healthy:** The combination of halibut, orange, and fennel creates a bright, fresh, and healthy meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using different vegetables or herbs.
* **Impressive:** This dish looks elegant and tastes fantastic, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

* **Halibut Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) skinless halibut fillets
* **Fennel Bulb:** 1 large, thinly sliced, fronds reserved
* **Orange:** 2, one sliced into thin rounds, one juiced
* **Red Onion:** 1 small, thinly sliced
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 sprigs
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Pinch (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Lemon wedges:** For serving (optional)

Equipment

* Sheet Pan
* Parchment Paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Juicer (for juicing the orange)
* Small Bowl

Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easier cleanup).
2. Wash and trim the fennel bulb. Thinly slice the bulb using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Reserve the fennel fronds for garnish.
3. Peel and thinly slice the red onion.
4. Slice one orange into thin rounds. Juice the other orange into a small bowl.
5. Mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Marinate the Halibut**

1. In the small bowl with the orange juice, add the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk to combine.
2. Place the halibut fillets on the prepared sheet pan. Pour the orange juice mixture over the halibut, ensuring that each fillet is evenly coated. Let the halibut marinate for 5-10 minutes.

**Step 3: Assemble the Sheet Pan**

1. Arrange the sliced fennel and red onion around the halibut fillets on the sheet pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Tuck the orange slices and thyme sprigs among the vegetables and halibut.

**Step 4: Bake the Halibut**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the halibut is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the halibut should reach 145°F (63°C).

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs.
2. Garnish with the reserved fennel fronds.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges (optional) and your favorite sides.

Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Fish:** If you don’t have halibut, you can use other flaky white fish such as cod, haddock, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the sheet pan.
* **Substitute Herbs:** If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or dill.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle some chili oil over the finished dish.
* **Make it a Foil Packet Meal:** For even easier cleanup, you can cook the halibut and vegetables in foil packets. Simply place the halibut, vegetables, and marinade in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold the foil tightly around the ingredients to create a sealed packet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
* **Broil for Extra Color:** For a more caramelized finish, broil the halibut for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with this dish.

Serving Suggestions

* **Quinoa or Rice:** Serve the halibut and vegetables over a bed of quinoa or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Roasted Potatoes:** Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with halibut.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the halibut.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.

Make Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Slice the Vegetables:** You can slice the fennel, red onion, and orange rounds up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Marinade:** You can prepare the orange juice marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the garlic just before using for best flavor.

**Storing Leftovers**

Store leftover halibut and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Note that the halibut may become slightly drier upon reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 350
* Protein: 40g
* Fat: 15g
* Saturated Fat: 2g
* Cholesterol: 80mg
* Sodium: 300mg
* Carbohydrates: 10g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugar: 5g

*Please note that nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

A Step-by-Step Guide with Images

Unfortunately, I am unable to display images. I can describe in words how to make this recipe and you can take pictures to add to your blog.

1. First slice your fennel, red onion and orange into thin slices and mince the garlic.
2. Mix your orange juice, minced garlic, 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes into a small bowl and whisk.
3. Place the halibut on the sheet pan and cover the top with the mixture made in the bowl.
4. Place the orange and fennel slices over the halibut and red onion around the sides. Drizzle with the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper.
5. Add thyme sprigs. Bake at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes or until the halibut is easily flaked with a fork.
6. Remove the thyme and garnish with fennel fronds and lemon wedges.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Sheet Pan Halibut with Orange and Fennel! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.