Weeknight Cooking

Slow-Roasted Alaska Halibut With Citrus & Smashed Olives

March 29, 2022
5
4 Ratings
Photo by JULIA GARTLAND. PROP STYLIST: MOLLY FITZSIMONS. FOOD STYLIST: LAUREN LAPENNA.
  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 20 minutes
  • Serves 2 to 4
Author Notes

In this recipe, briny Castelvetrano olives and vibrant citrus are an ideal foil to flaky, tender wild Alaska halibut that’s roasted low and slow in the oven. The only stovetop cooking required is a simple sizzle of smashed olives, and the entire dish comes together in 30 minutes. For the olive-citrus mixture, you can use whatever citrus is available near you, from blood oranges to ruby-red grapefruit (bonus points if it’s in-season).

When it comes to the fish itself, sustainability is key. The Alaska halibut fishery prioritizes the protection of halibut stocks with catch limits to ensure that wild Alaska halibut are around for future generations. Available fresh from March through mid-November and frozen year-round, this versatile, meaty whitefish is ideal for easy dinners any night of the week. —Rebecca Firkser

Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe is shared in partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. —The Editors

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Ingredients
  • 4 (4 to 5 ounces each) Alaska halibut filets (thawed, if frozen)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 pounds mixed citrus, such as naval, Cara Cara, or blood oranges, and grapefruit
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon mild chile flake, such as Aleppo pepper or gochugaru (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Toasted bread or cooked grains (such as farro or quinoa), for serving
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 300ºF. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper, then place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, gently toss to coat, and bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes.
  2. While the fish bakes, use a knife or your hands to peel the citrus, slice it into 1/2-inch wedges, and place in a medium bowl with the shallots. Season with salt and set aside.
  3. Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the olives and cook, tossing regularly, until sizzling and warmed through, about 3 minutes (it’s OK if the olives start to take on color, but not necessary). Turn off the heat, stir in the chile flakes if using, and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Stir the warm olives into the citrus mixture.
  4. Serve the fish topped with the olive-citrus mixture and parsley or dill, along with toasted bread or grains for sopping up the juice.

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2 Reviews

Debra July 13, 2024
Just got back from Alaska and brought home with 70 pounds of halibut we caught. Looking forward to trying this… and others!
sbury27 March 31, 2022
This is an excellent recipe that is so simple yet so delicious! Highly recommend!!