Halibut Olympia recipe

There’s something timeless about a well-made Halibut Olympia recipe, a Pacific Northwest treasure that blends the elegance of seafood with rich, homey flavors. First introduced in the coastal kitchens of Washington and Oregon, this dish has become a staple in family dinners and upscale seafood menus alike. It celebrates halibut’s mild, flaky beauty by layering it with sweet onions, tangy mayo, and a crunchy golden breadcrumb topping. The name “Olympia” nods to Washington’s capital, but the magic lies in its blend of simplicity and decadence.

The real charm of this halibut Olympia lies in how effortlessly it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. The prep? Ridiculously easy. No fancy sauces, no complicated steps, just fresh ingredients doing what they do best. A quick sauté of onions adds sweetness, while the mayo mixture keeps the fish ultra moist and flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that works for weeknight dinners and special occasions, all without needing more than one pan and 30 minutes. If you’ve tried our Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe or Instant Pot Beef Stew, you’ll appreciate the same comfort-forward vibe here.

If you’re mindful of health, halibut itself is a nutritional powerhouse low in fat, high in lean protein, and packed with omega-3s. You can lighten the dish by swapping full-fat mayo for Greek yogurt, or even go gluten-free with almond flour breadcrumbs. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get non-fishy eaters on board with seafood. Looking for other ways to elevate your fish dinners? Pair this with a crisp Lemon Ginger Ferment or a spoonful of our Thai Watermelon Salad for a complete coastal experience.

• Origins of Halibut Olympia Recipe
• Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Halibut Olympia Recipe
• Variations of Halibut Olympia Recipe
• Health Benefits of Halibut Olympia
  • Nutrient Breakdown per Main Ingredient
• Halibut Olympia Recipe and the Keto Diet: A Creamy Match Made in Low-Carb Heaven
• Halibut Olympia Recipe From OoohDelish!
• Share Your Twist on This Halibut Olympia Recipe!
• FAQs: Halibut Olympia recipe

Origins of Halibut Olympia Recipe

The Halibut Olympia Recipe is a Pacific Northwest classic with roots that trace back to the seafood-rich kitchens of Washington state, especially in and around Olympia, where halibut is a seasonal star. This dish became popular in the mid-20th century as an elegant yet comforting way to prepare fresh halibut without overcomplicating the flavor.

Its signature topping, a creamy, tangy blend of sour cream, onion, and sometimes a hint of lemon, was inspired by the casserole culture of the time. It offered a bridge between simple baked fish and the rich, crowd-pleasing textures of American comfort food. The breadcrumbs and butter on top gave it that familiar “golden baked” finish families loved.

Much like other regional favorites (think Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders or Mastoris Cheese Bread), Halibut Olympia taps into nostalgic flavor profiles that feel homemade and hearty. Yet, it highlights the delicate nature of good-quality fish.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Halibut Olympia Recipe

• Use Fresh or Frozen Halibut: Fresh halibut is ideal, but high-quality frozen fillets work just as well. Just be sure to thaw completely and pat them dry before baking. This helps the creamy topping stick and the fish bake evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Broil: After baking, a quick 2–3 minutes under the broiler gives that irresistible golden crust. Watch closely, breadcrumbs go from golden to burnt fast!
• Add a Pop with Capers: Classic recipes often include green onions, but tossing in some capers adds briny depth. If you’re already a fan of our Baked Feta Pasta, you’ll appreciate the punchy balance.
• Make It a Meal: Pair this dish with something light and fresh, like our Cold Cucumber Mint Soup, or serve it with Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes to soak up every bit of sauce.
• Customize the Creamy Topping: Some versions use mayo, but a mix of sour cream and a dash of lemon juice creates a richer, more balanced flavor. Want a twist? Try a spoonful of Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss for herbal flair.

Variations of Halibut Olympia Recipe

• Crab-Topped Olympia: Mix a few tablespoons of lump crabmeat into the sour cream topping for an ultra-indulgent seafood upgrade. It adds sweetness and extra protein, perfect for special occasions.
• Lemon Herb Olympia: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme to the topping, plus lemon zest for brightness. This version pairs beautifully with a Coconut Mojito or a citrusy side.
• Spicy Halibut Olympia: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the topping to give it a mild kick. If you like the boldness of our Sriracha Meatballs, this is your lane!
• Cheesy Crust Version: Add a handful of shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese to the breadcrumbs before baking. It adds a rich, nutty finish and gives that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth top.
• Low-Carb Olympia: Skip the breadcrumbs and top with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version, especially good if you’re already into our Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

Health Benefits of Halibut Olympia

Despite its creamy and indulgent appearance, Halibut Olympia can be a surprisingly nourishing main course, especially when made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and a mindful hand. Halibut is not only delicious and flaky, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with lean protein, anti-inflammatory omega-3s, and essential minerals like selenium and magnesium.

The sour cream-based topping adds creaminess but also provides calcium and probiotics (if using cultured sour cream or a yogurt substitute). You can also lighten the topping with Greek yogurt to increase the protein content without sacrificing texture. And that golden breadcrumb layer? It’s totally customizable, go lighter with whole wheat panko or gluten-free crumbs if needed.

Pairing this recipe with vibrant veggie sides (like our Cold Cucumber Mint Soup or Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes) turns it into a complete, balanced, and satisfying meal.

Nutrient Breakdown per Main Ingredient

Want to go lighter? Try swapping sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use a heart-healthy fat like avocado oil or olive oil instead of butter.

Halibut Olympia Recipe and the Keto Diet: A Creamy Match Made in Low-Carb Heaven

Following keto but still craving something creamy, crispy, and utterly satisfying? Good news: Halibut Olympia can easily be made keto-friendly, and trust us, it doesn’t feel like a “diet” meal.

Let’s start with the star of the show, halibut. It’s naturally high in protein and almost zero carbs, making it a perfect lean base for any keto main course. What about that dreamy topping? Swap regular sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt or avocado mayo to keep your fats healthy and your macros in check. You’ll still get the velvety richness without any added sugar or carbs.

As for the crunchy topping instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or even grated Parmesan cheese. All of these give you the golden, crispy topping you crave with no added carbs. That little broiled finish? It gets even better with cheese.

Want to make it a full keto dinner? Pair it with something fresh like Cold Cucumber Mint Soup or go cozy with a low-carb veggie mash like Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

Halibut Olympia Recipe From OoohDelish!

Get ready to impress with this buttery, baked Halibut Olympia, a coastal classic with rich, golden flavor.
It’s flaky halibut topped with sweet onions, creamy mayo, and crisp breadcrumbs.
Minimal prep, maximum comfort.
Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or “just because” kind of meals.
Let’s bake up something bold and delicious!

Halibut Olympia Recipe

A creamy, golden-topped baked halibut dish with caramelized onions and mayo a classic from the Pacific Northwest that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Dinner, Seafood dish

Cuisine American, Pacific Northwest

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 × Oven-safe baking dish for baking the halibut
• 1 × Medium skillet for sautéing onions
• 1 × Mixing bowl for combining topping ingredients
• 1 × Knife for chopping onions and halibut if needed
• 1 × Spatula or spoon for spreading topping

Ingredients

  

• 4 6 oz halibut fillets, fresh or thawed
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter option
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional, for extra crispness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
• Sauté the onion: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook chopped onions until soft and golden. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Arrange halibut over onions. Lightly season fish with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Mix mayo + breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine mayo and ¾ cup of the breadcrumbs (and Parmesan if using). Spread evenly over the fish. Top with remaining breadcrumbs.
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until fish flakes easily and topping is golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute halibut with cod, haddock, or another flaky white fish. For a crunchier top, broil for 2 minutes at the end. Serve with lemon wedges, rice pilaf, or a crisp garden salad.

Keyword baked halibut, creamy halibut casserole, easy halibut dinner, Halibut Olympia Recipe

Share Your Twist on This Halibut Olympia Recipe!

Did you lighten it up with Greek yogurt? Add capers? Toss in extra lemon or a cheesy crust?
Whether you kept it classic or made it keto, we want to see your spin on this legendary dish!

📸 Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or Facebook with #OoohDelishTwist your version might be our next feature!
💌 Got a family twist or secret sauce? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com we may include your take in a future post!

FAQs: Halibut Olympia recipe