Halibut Casserole With Asparagus
A delicate baked halibut casserole featuring tender fish, fresh asparagus, and a creamy onion sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs and Parmesan for a comforting seafood dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place halibut in boiling milk with the bay leaf and simmer for 8 minutes or until fish turns opaque and flakes. Remove fish and drain.
- Remove bay leaf and reserve the milk.
- Remove skin and bones from fish, then break into small chunks.
- Put fish into a buttered casserole dish.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the reserved hot milk and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in grated onion and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour sauce over the fish in the casserole.
- Arrange asparagus spears on top of the sauce.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and lemon juice, then sprinkle over the asparagus.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until heated through and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. If halibut isn't available, cod or haddock can make a great substitute. To enhance the dish, you can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you're looking for a healthier twist, replace the butter with olive oil and use almond flour instead of whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
This halibut casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed rice. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread. A light white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well. For more delicious ideas, check out American recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish tough and dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Halibut Casserole With Asparagus contains roughly 972 calories, with 32g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen halibut. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. This may require an additional 2-3 minutes when simmering in milk. The key is to ensure that the fish is cooked until it is opaque and flakes easily.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the bread crumbs are certified gluten-free, or you can make your own using gluten-free bread.
What’s the best way to ensure the halibut stays moist?
To keep the halibut moist, avoid overcooking it during the initial simmer in milk. The fish should be just opaque before removing it from heat. The sauce also helps retain moisture while baking, so be sure to cover it if you notice it browning too quickly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).