Lemony Steamed Fish Recipe

Lemony Steamed Fish Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Halibut Foil Packets

This simple and flavorful recipe for halibut fillets baked in foil is a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option. The fish is seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, then sealed in foil to lock in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy fillets.

Ingredients

  • 6 (6 ounce) halibut fillets
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pinch seasoned salt, or more to taste
  • 1 pinch lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your halibut fillets:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Cut six squares of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap one fillet.
  3. Place a halibut fillet in the center of each foil square.
  4. Season the fillets with the dill, onion powder, parsley, paprika, seasoned salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, and garlic powder.
  5. Drizzle the fillets with lemon juice.
  6. Carefully fold the edges of the foil to create a sealed packet around each fillet, making sure the fish is fully enclosed.
  7. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 142 -
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 61mg 20%
Sodium 184mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 1g -
Protein 30g 59%
Vitamin C 7mg 7%
Calcium 29mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 606mg 13%

History and Origin

The Lemony Steamed Fish recipe draws inspiration from a variety of international culinary traditions. Steamed fish has been a staple in many cultures, especially in Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. The method of steaming fish helps preserve its delicate flavor and nutritional value, a feature cherished across regions. While this specific recipe uses halibut fillets and a blend of herbs, the practice of steaming fish with citrus is prevalent in many coastal regions, where fresh fish is abundant. The incorporation of lemon in this dish enhances its light, refreshing nature, making it a perfect fit for both casual and formal dining.

Regional Variations

Steamed fish is commonly associated with various regional cuisines. In East Asia, particularly China, steaming fish is a method that retains the fish's natural flavors, often accompanied by soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. In Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, fish is frequently steamed with olive oil, herbs, and citrus, offering a light yet flavorful dish. In the United States, particularly in coastal areas, Lemony Steamed Fish is a common preparation, where the combination of fresh herbs and lemon highlights the fishs natural taste while maintaining a healthy profile.

Distinguishing Features

What sets Lemony Steamed Fish apart from other similar dishes is its emphasis on simplicity and freshness. Unlike heavily seasoned or fried fish recipes, this dish relies on a delicate balance of lemon juice, herbs like dill and parsley, and minimal seasoning. The fish is steamed in foil packets, which ensures that it stays moist and tender without the need for added fats. This distinguishes it from baked or fried fish dishes, which often require higher temperatures and additional fats to achieve a crisp exterior. The lightness of the dish makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthier, yet flavorful seafood option.

Common Occasions and Serving Locations

Lemony Steamed Fish is often served as a healthy, light dinner option. It is a popular choice at family gatherings, seafood restaurants, and is frequently prepared in homes where a fresh, healthy meal is desired. Its simplicity makes it a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad. This dish is also well-suited for special occasions like Easter or family reunions, where a lighter, flavorful option is appreciated. In some coastal regions, its a go-to dish for celebrations centered around fresh, locally sourced fish.

Fun Facts

Did you know that fish is one of the oldest food sources for humanity, with evidence of early fishing dating back to the Stone Age? Steaming fish, however, is a more modern technique that has gained widespread popularity in recent decades due to its health benefits. One interesting fact about the Lemony Steamed Fish recipe is that its a perfect choice for people looking to reduce their intake of unhealthy fats. The absence of oil or butter in the preparation makes it an excellent option for those on a low-fat or heart-healthy diet. Furthermore, lemon, a key ingredient in the recipe, is packed with Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to the dish.

FAQ about Lemony Steamed Fish Recipe

Yes, you can substitute halibut with other white fish like cod, tilapia, or red snapper. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.

Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best freshness and flavor.

Yes, you can freeze the fish after cooking. Ensure it's wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

This lemony steamed fish pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a side of rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine), or a light salad. You can also drizzle a tangy lemon sauce over it for extra flavor.

Yes, you can assemble the fish packets ahead of time. Once the fish is seasoned and wrapped in foil, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper as an alternative. Just make sure the packets are sealed tightly to retain the moisture while baking.

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme work well, as do spices like garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest for extra flavor.

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook it for an extra 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of fish.

Yes, this recipe is low in fat and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the seasoning ingredients for any hidden gluten if needed.

Comments

Rebecca Jones

02/02/2023 08:07:54 AM

Substituting onion powder with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped onion, incorporating 1/2 tsp of garlic puree, and enhancing the flavor with 1/4 cup of lemon juice transformed this cod dish into a delightful culinary experience. Baking all the cod in one dish covered with aluminum foil was a brilliant idea. The final result was excellent! I paired it with BROCCOLI WITH LEMON ALMOND BUTTER and a side of fragrant basmati rice. The combination was absolutely delicious!

Elizabeth Jackson

04/18/2023 11:17:49 AM

If I had followed the original recipe exactly, I doubt I would have given it three stars, which I typically consider to be an average rating. No fat? No butter, no drizzle of olive oil - really nothing? And then steamed? Our taste buds crave the richness and texture that fats provide! They also give the fish a beautiful golden hue. So, for me, it was a no-brainer to make some modifications - I opted for a drizzle of melted butter and baking instead. I used halibut, but to keep it simple, I skipped some of the suggested seasonings. A touch of fresh dill, garlic powder, paprika (for color), salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice did the trick. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fish, but in my case, baking at 400 degrees for 12 minutes resulted in perfectly cooked, golden, and flaky fillets - a significant improvement from my initial three-star rating of the original recipe.

Angela Perez

12/08/2024 10:49:05 AM

I recommend pre-mixing the spices for better seasoning distribution on each fillet. I tested it with Red Snapper and found it to be decent, although I have enjoyed other recipes more. This dish is suitable for those looking for a low-fat option, but it wouldn't be my top pick.

Jonathan Taylor

07/29/2023 11:22:24 AM

Absolutely fantastic! I absolutely loved the dill in this dish! The only tweak I made was adding a splash of Pinot Gigio to the sauce packet, and after cooking, I combined the leftover liquid from the packets with more wine to create a delicious sauce to drizzle over the fish. This was my first time making halibut at home and only my second time cooking fish, but it turned out amazing. I will definitely be making this again! I served it with a side of pasta aglio e olio and asparagus.

Mark Anderson

09/07/2024 05:09:19 PM

I rated this recipe 4 out of 5 stars mainly because I made some adjustments, however, the outcome was absolutely fantastic! Adjustments: (1) Opted for fresh dill instead of dried (2) Substituted salt and garlic powder with Salt Free Garlic and Herb seasoning (3) Replaced Lemon Pepper seasoning with cracked pepper (4) Added a delicate lemon slice on top of the fish before baking.

Jose Wright

02/19/2023 06:20:28 AM

I wish I had read the reviews before making this dish. It definitely needed some kind of fat like olive oil, butter, or something. The cooking time was too long, resulting in a dry outcome. Nonetheless, the flavors were quite good. It was easy to make, that's for sure. Thanks, DHERDEBU.

Pamela Jones

03/01/2025 02:27:57 AM

EXQUISITE! I opted for sliced onion over onion powder and chopped garlic instead of garlic salt for a more vibrant flavor profile.

Amanda Ramirez

03/31/2024 01:20:27 PM

This recipe provided a simple and delicious method to prepare a fresh, healthy fish dish. I included fresh green beans in the cooking packet, steaming them alongside the fish. Afterward, I used the remaining juices, reducing them in a skillet and adding extra lemon juice for a flavorful and tangy sauce to drizzle over the fish. A great culinary experience overall!

Nicholas Young

04/21/2023 07:30:39 AM

Super simple and delicious! I cooked mine in a Reynolds Foil Bag at 425 degrees for 30 minutes with a variety of fresh vegetables. It made for a healthy meal with no cleanup hassle.

Anthony Evans

03/31/2023 11:27:21 PM

Pretty good overall. Everyone cleaned their plates and gave positive feedback.

Patricia Diaz

02/19/2025 08:37:51 AM

I have prepared this dish many times and it is absolutely delightful! It's one of my husband's favorites.

Dennis Hill

12/20/2024 04:05:41 PM

I tried the fresh red snapper from Mexico and followed the recipe using all the ingredients listed. The only difference was that I cooked it wrapped in foil on the barbecue. The fish turned out to be tender, moist, and full of flavor.

Gary Phillips

02/07/2023 03:26:41 AM

I only substituted cod in this recipe and it turned out amazing! Thanks for sharing, this recipe is fantastic!

Patrick Hall

04/15/2023 07:55:02 PM

As a novice college student in the kitchen, I found this recipe to be relatively easy to follow. I did deviate from the instructions a bit and made a few measuring errors along the way. Lacking aluminum foil, I improvised by placing the fish on pans and covering them with other pans in the oven. Initially unsure about the measurements provided, I chose to distribute them evenly among the fish rather than for each individual piece, which turned out to be the correct decision. Despite my mistakes, the dish still turned out delicious! I will certainly be making this recipe again in the future.

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