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Halibut with Pesto and Asparagus

Halibut with Pesto and Asparagus prepared and served in the glass Anyday dish, showcasing succulent halibut fillets topped with fresh pesto and accompanied by tender asparagus.
PT6M PT5M

Prep Time

6 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins
1 reviews

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Halibut with Pesto and Asparagus

1 reviews
Anyday dish and perfect for the whole family. It's perfect for spring when asparagus is fresh, but you can make it year-round with your favorite veggies. Swap in artichoke hearts, broccoli, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

With Anyday dishes, this recipe cooks evenly and keeps all the flavors locked in. The garlicky pesto makes the halibut taste amazing, the asparagus adds a nice crunch, and the cherry tomatoes give a sweet and tangy twist. Enjoy!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Get ready to enjoy flaky halibut steamed to perfection in the microwave with garlicky pesto, tender asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This healthy meal is super easy to whip up with an Anyday dish and perfect for the whole family. It's perfect for spring when asparagus is fresh, but you can make it year-round with your favorite veggies. Swap in artichoke hearts, broccoli, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

With Anyday dishes, this recipe cooks evenly and keeps all the flavors locked in. The garlicky pesto makes the halibut taste amazing, the asparagus adds a nice crunch, and the cherry tomatoes give a sweet and tangy twist. Enjoy!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 5-6 (95g) asparagus, trimmed and cut in half
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • salt, to taste 
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 4-6 oz fillets of halibut, cod, or any white flaky fish fillet (except for tilapia)
  • 2 tablespoons pesto, store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Preparation

  1. Add the asparagus and olive oil into the Anyday and season with salt and pepper. Mix to combine.
  2. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. Spread the pesto over the fish (you may cut the fish into portions or keep the filet whole), and place it over the asparagus. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 5-6 minutes, or until the fish is cooked to your desired doneness
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes and serve.

Suggestions

  • Salmon switch-up: Try it with salmon instead of halibut for a richer flavor.
  • Smoky romesco: Substitute pesto with romesco sauce for a smoky, nutty twist.
  • Seasonal veggies: If asparagus is out of season, use artichoke hearts, broccoli florets, or snap peas for variety.
  • Mediterranean touch: Add a handful of kalamata olives before cooking and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Recipe Notes

  • Lowering the power level is essential for achieving juicy halibut that is both tender and flaky.
  • If you're using frozen halibut, you may need to adjust the power levels. Check the recommended power levels in this recipe.
  • For more halibut recipes, see recipes here. 
  • Microwave ovens can vary, even if they have the same wattage. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Halibut with Pesto and Asparagus in the Microwave

Can I cook halibut in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook halibut in the microwave using an Anyday dish. The Anyday dish helps distribute heat evenly, preventing overcooking and keeping the fish juicy and tender (plus, it won’t smell!). Learn how to cook fresh halibut here.

Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen halibut and you will not need to thaw it! The Anyday dish is great for cooking fish evenly — even from frozen. All you need to do is adjust the power level and let the microwave do the rest. See the right power level for this recipe by following the instructions in the basic recipe for Frozen Halibut.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an Anyday dish with the lid securely in place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave using the Anyday dish to avoid overcooking the fish and to maintain its moisture and flavor for 1-2 minutes at full power or until heated through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best to cook halibut fresh for optimal flavor and texture, but you can prepare the pesto and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them in your Anyday dish until you’re ready to cook the fish. This makes the final cooking process quick and efficient, ensuring a fresh and delicious meal.

Want more fish recipes?

More fish recipes

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