5-Ingredient Pistachio-Crusted Halibut Is Ready in 20 Minutes

A layer of pistachios combined with panko breadcrumbs on top of the halibut fillets provides a delicious crunch and a pop of vitamin B6, a nutrient important for blood sugar regulation. We like the firm texture and mild flavor of halibut, but cod, haddock or tilapia can be used in its place.

Pistachio Crusted Halibut 3x2
Photo: Ali Redmond
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4

How We Made This Diabetes-Appropriate

1. Consuming less sodium in your diet can help prevent or treat high blood pressure. We kept the sodium in check by using just a small amount of kosher salt and unsalted pistachios for the topping.

2. Pistachios not only taste great, but they are a good source of vitamin B6 and have been shown to be helpful with blood sugar control.

3. Mayonnaise adds flavor to the fish and helps keep the crunchy topping in place. We opted to use reduced-fat mayonnaise to help limit saturated fat. Too much saturated fat is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Is halibut sustainable?

It can be! Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council label on the package to make sure the fish you are buying comes from a certified sustainable fishery.

Can I substitute a different type of fish?

Yes. Any white, flaky fish will work, such as cod, sea bass, haddock or tilapia. If you are using a different fish, cook time needs to be adjusted depending on the thickness. Halibut tends to be 1½ to 2 inches thick, so if your fish is thinner, you should reduce the cook time and judge doneness based on flakiness instead of timing.

I can't find panko, can I use other breadcrumbs?

Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs and are lighter and fluffier than traditional breadcrumbs. You can use plain dry breadcrumbs as a substitute, just make sure to look for an unseasoned variety.

I'm allergic to nuts, can I use a seed instead?

Yes, you can use unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pounds halibut, cut into 4 portions

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons chopped unsalted pistachios

  • 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 large clove garlic, grated

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

  2. Pat halibut fillets dry with paper towels and place on the prepared pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the tops of the fillets with mayonnaise. Combine pistachios, panko and garlic in a small bowl. Top the fillets with the pistachio mixture, gently pressing to adhere.

  3. Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

189 Calories
6g Fat
5g Carbs
28g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 4 oz.
Calories 189
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 28g 56%
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Vitamin A 118IU 2%
Vitamin D 269IU 67%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 20mcg 5%
Vitamin K 7mcg 6%
Sodium 367mg 16%
Calcium 18mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 39mg 9%
Potassium 682mg 15%
Zinc 1mg 9%
Vitamin B12 2mcg 83%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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