Steamed Halibut Green Asparagus Lemon
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Tender steamed halibut with crisp green asparagus and fresh lemon — a light, restorative low-calorie meal with clean protein.
Tender steamed halibut with crisp green asparagus and a squeeze of fresh lemon, a light, restorative meal with clean protein. Steaming keeps the fish soft and the asparagus bright. Dinner that leaves you feeling good about yourself.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 (160g) halibut fillet
- 🫗 1 bunch (200g) green asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 🫗 1/2 lemon, sliced, plus extra juice
- 🫗 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 🫗 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 🫗 Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Season the halibut on both sides with salt and pepper.
Bring a large pot with 2 inches of water to a simmer and set a steamer basket over it.
Steam the asparagus for 4 minutes until crisp-tender, then remove and keep warm.
Place the halibut in the steamer basket with the lemon slices and thyme, and steam for 7-9 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
Drizzle the fish and asparagus with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve immediately.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Oversteaming the halibut, which turns it dry and flaky to dust.
- ✕
Drowning the lemon under the fish so it steams rather than perfumes.
- ✕
Boiling the asparagus instead of steaming it, making it waterlogged.
🔄 Variations
Use cod, sole or sea bass in place of halibut.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for warmth.
Serve with a green salad for a complete, satisfying plate.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Best eaten fresh out of the steamer.
- 📦
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 1 day and reheat gently, ideally steamed again.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Check the halibut after 7 minutes; it is done when it flakes apart with a fork.
Tip 2: Keep the thinnest asparagus tips from falling into the water by laying them flat in the basket.
Tip 3: Rest the halibut off the heat for 1 minute before plating to lock in moisture.
❓ FAQ
Why steam instead of grill? Steaming keeps the fish moist without adding fat, perfect for a calorie-controlled meal.
Is halibut high in protein? Yes, a 160g fillet delivers about 30-33g of clean protein.
What if I can't find fresh thyme? Mild fresh dill or a bay leaf works as a substitute.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →