Oven Baked Halibut A La Orange
Oven Baked Halibut A La Orange offers tender, flaky halibut steaks infused with bright orange zest and subtle dill. The citrus glaze made from fresh orange and apple juices adds a sweet tang, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a light yet flavorful dish suitable for both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 halibut steaks (about 5 to 6 oz. each) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- grated peel of 1/2 orange ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. dill weed ⓘ
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chicken bouillon (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Line a 12 x 8 x 2-inch shallow baking dish with foil.
- Lightly brush both sides of the halibut steaks with vegetable oil.
- Arrange the steaks in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle with grated orange peel and dill weed.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes per inch of thickness or until the halibut flakes easily with a fork.
- While baking, combine orange juice, apple juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in margarine and chicken bouillon (if using).
- Serve the baked halibut topped with the citrus sauce and garnished with green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest to the sauce. You can substitute halibut with other firm white fish like cod or tilapia if halibut is unavailable. If you're looking to cut calories, use olive oil instead of margarine in the sauce. Additionally, ensure the fish is of even thickness for consistent baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the halibut A La Orange over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the citrus sauce. Steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, make excellent sides that complement the dish's flavors. For a delightful pairing, consider serving this dish with a light salad or browsing more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover halibut and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the halibut in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Baked Halibut A La Orange contains roughly 418 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1425mg per serving (62% 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 make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Adjust the baking time slightly if the steaks are thicker than fresh halibut, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have fresh orange juice, you can use bottled juice, but ensure it is 100% juice without added sugars. Alternatively, a combination of lemon and lime juice can offer a different yet refreshing citrus flavor that works well in this recipe.
How do I know when the halibut is done cooking?
The halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. A good way to check is to use a fork to gently pull apart the flesh; if it separates easily, it's ready. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
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).