Halibut is rare catch in the Philippines, but a similar fish(Flounder) is common in Batangas province. It’s called “Dapa” in Tagalog and there are 3 types you can find in the Philippine market(Indian Halibut, Tongue Sole, Flounder). Batanguenos have a recipe for Flounder in particular, in which the fish is wrapped in banana leaves, along with a few pieces of pork belly cubes, lots of garlic, kamias, seasoned with salt and pepper, then charcoal grilled. Halibut is a good source of Omega-3 and other healthy nutrients, which is good for heart. Just wanted to quickly throw that info in there for you.
Zucchini is not known in the Philippines, in fact we still don’t have it. Some people compare it to cucumber but there’s nothing similar between the two. Zucchini is known to be rich in vitamin C, B-6 and Potassium, just to name a few.
What Janis did to her Halibut recipe is pretty simple. She had it seasoned, seared, then baked for 10-12 minutes. Her vegetables were quickly stir-fried in butter, garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Easy meal for a busy, working Mom like her.
Ingredients: 3-4 servings
4 pieces of filleted halibut
2 medium zucchini squash, julienned
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 tsp garlic powder
4-6 sliced mushrooms
1/2 medium sliced onions
2 cloves, chopped garlic
2 tbsp. butter(for searing)
2 tsp butter for stir frying
Procedure:
- Wash and pat dry halibut fillets. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Wash and julienne zucchini and red bell peppers, slice some onions and mushrooms, chop the garlic, then heat up 2 teaspoon of butter on a wok or pan.
- Apply garlic and onions. Mix for 1 minute or so till they’re slightly browned. Add zucchini, mushrooms and bell peppers. Keep stirring for 5-10 minutes, or until all vegetables are half-cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper. Apply some garlic powder, if desired. Stir to combine all ingredients. Turn off the heat. Keep stir-fried zucchini warm while setting it aside.
- Set oven temperature to 400F. On another pan, sear both sides of seasoned halibut fillet on a heated butter, for 10-12 minutes.
- When slightly browned, place them on a buttered baking sheet. Place seared halibut on the middle rack of the heated oven and let it bake for another 10-12 minutes.
- Remove and serve delicious baked halibut, and stir-fried zucchini recipe with mushrooms and red bell peppers, with steamed rice.
Tip: You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime with your seared halibut recipe. A quick meal for your beloveds!