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Steamed Fish with Olive Butter

Delicately cooked fish with olive oil and butter made in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, ensuring tender, flaky fish with rich, buttery flavors and no unpleasant odors. Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal, ready in minutes.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

7-8 mins
3 reviews

Free Time

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Steamed Fish with Olive Butter

3 reviews
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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Steamed fish with olive butter in the microwave is a quick, flavorful way to get dinner on the table. Mix garlic, green and black olives, fennel seeds, and lime juice to make a zesty olive butter sauce. This easy sauce works wonders on any fish – think cod, tuna, or salmon – and even perks up shrimp and chicken. Cooking in the microwave keeps the fish moist and infuses it with the rich flavors of the sauce. Serve it with rice or bread to soak up all that delicious, garlicky olive butter.

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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Pairs well with

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

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
  • ½ cup (50g) sliced olives in brine, mix of green and black preferred
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 2-3 inch long strips of lemon skin
  • 8-9 oz halibut or cod filet, in one whole piece
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place the olive oil or butter, sliced olives, chili flakes, and lemon strips in a Shallow Dish. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the butter is melted and fragrant.
  3. Season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the fish in the Anyday dish and spoon the butter and olive mixture on top.
  4. Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave at Power Level 6
    ✕

    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 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork. If not, add more time in 30-second increments.
  5. Drizzle with lemon juice, and top with chopped parsley if desired.

Suggestions

  • Add extra garlic: Mix in chopped or sliced garlic to the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Swap the fish: Use cod, mahi-mahi, or sea bass if halibut is not available for a different, yet equally delicious, result.
  • Try brown butter: Add brown butter for a delicious and easy twist that brings a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
  • Add fresh herbs: Stir in herbs like dill, chives, or chervil for a fragrant, herbal finish that complements the fish perfectly.
  • Serve with grains or veggies: Pair the fish with rice, quinoa, beans, or fresh veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Notes

  • The thickness of the halibut determines how long it cooks. Thicker fish might need 1-2 extra minutes.
  • When purchasing halibut, be sure to choose a filet that is whole rather than individual portions. This allows the fish to cook more gently towards the center, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish.
  • If using frozen fish, keep the same power level and add 1-3 minutes of cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Steamed Fish with Olive Butter

What is Steamed Fish with Olive Butter?

Steamed Fish with Olive Butter is a quick, flavorful dish where fish fillets like cod, halibut, or salmon are cooked in the microwave with a savory mixture of olives, butter or olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The result is a tender, moist fish infused with rich, zesty flavors, perfect for serving with rice, bread, or vegetables.

Can I make Steamed Fish with Olive Butter in the microwave?

Yes, this recipe is designed for the microwave! Using an Anyday dish allows you to steam the fish evenly, keeping it moist and flavorful while infusing it with the buttery olive mixture. The microwave also cuts down cooking time significantly compared to stovetop steaming.

Why is this recipe cooked on a lower power level?

Lowering the power level ensures gentle steaming, which helps the fish cook evenly without overcooking or drying out. This method mimics traditional steaming, delivering perfectly tender, flaky fish every time.

How do I know when the fish is cooked?

The fish is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, microwave in 30-second increments until it reaches your preferred doneness. For the best results, test the fish in the thickest part to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works with various fish, including salmon, tuna, tilapia, or even cod. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and type of seafood used. Discover more fish recipes by exploring our collection here!

How do I store leftover Steamed Fish with Olive Butter?

Once cooled, transfer the fish to an Anyday dish and cover with the lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave on a lower power level to avoid overcooking.

How do I reheat Steamed Fish with Olive Butter?

To reheat from the fridge, place the fish and sauce in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on Pl 5-7 (50-70% power) for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it’s warmed without overcooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version. The olive oil keeps the dish rich and flavorful while maintaining its vibrant, zesty profile.

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