Are you looking for a dish that is sure to impress your guests? Look no further than the Halibut Olympia recipe! Originating from the city of Olympia, Washington, this dish features firm and meaty halibut fillets smothered in a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, flour, heavy cream, white wine, shallots, parsley, and lemon juice.
The delicate flavors of the shallots and parsley perfectly complement the halibut, making for a truly elegant and delicious dish.
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, Halibut Olympia is sure to be a hit. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish step-by-step.
Halibut Olympia Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped shallots
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Halibut Olympia From Scratch At Home?
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
Step 2: In a pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup flour and stir until well combined. Gradually add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup white wine, and continue to stir until the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Add 2 tbsp chopped shallots, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Step 4: Place the halibut fillets in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
Step 5: Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
Step 6: Serve the halibut with the sauce spooned over the top, and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
History Of Halibut Olympia
Olympia, Washington, invented halibut, Olympia. The dish originated in the early 20th century when Washington’s seas were full of halibut. “Halibut Olympia” became famous at local restaurants in the 1920s and 1930s.
A local chef designed the meal to highlight halibut’s flavor and firmness. They created a thick sauce with butter, flour, heavy cream, white wine, shallots, parsley, and lemon juice. The exquisite and delectable halibut fillets were roasted in the sauce.
Halibut Olympia quickly became a fixture on local eateries and fish shacks’ menus and received national attention. It remains a popular seafood dish nationwide.
The dish’s origins are unclear and may not have come from Olympia. Some reports suggest it’s a meal that’s been around for a long time and can’t be traced back to its beginnings.
What To Serve With Halibut Olympia?
When it comes to pairing sides with Halibut Olympia, there are a variety of options that complement the flavors of the dish. Some popular choices include roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms, which add color and nutrition to the dish.
Potatoes, whether roasted or mashed, provide a nice contrast to the creamy sauce and the firm texture of the halibut. Rice, whether plain or in a wild rice pilaf, can be a great side dish. A light green salad with vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing element to the dish.
Bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, can be served alongside the dish to mop up the sauce. Finally, lemon wedges can provide a nice acidic balance to the dish and complement the flavors of the sauce.
The best side dishes for Halibut Olympia will ultimately depend on your personal preference and the flavors you want to complement, feel free to experiment and try different sides to find the perfect pairing for your taste.
Can I Eat Halibut Olympia With Cheese?
Halibut Olympia has a creamy sauce and can be served with cheese. However, it’s not a typical pairing or dish practice. Adding cheese could alter the dish’s taste.
You can add shredded cheese to the sauce or sprinkle parmesan cheese on the halibut before baking to add cheese. Gruyere, gouda, and parmesan are suitable cheeses.
Use a cheese that complements the sauce since this will change the dish’s flavor. A cheese platter could be a side dish.
How To Store Reheat Homemade Halibut Olympia?
Homemade Halibut Olympia leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight jar. Refrigerate the dish for 3 days.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place the halibut in an oven-safe dish to reheat. To thin the sauce, add cream or white wine.
Bake the halibut for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven until heated through. Microwave reheating may affect the fish’s texture.
Not overcooking and lightly reheating halibut keep it moist. Serve hot.
The dish can be frozen, however, the fish’s texture may vary after thawing. Halibut can be frozen for three months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of fish instead of halibut?
Yes, you can use other types of firm white fish such as cod, sea bass, or grouper.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms to the dish, making it a more well-rounded and complete meal.
Can I freeze the dish?
Yes, you can freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the fish may change after being frozen and thawed.
How long will the dish keep in the fridge?
The dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Halibut Olympia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets 6-8 oz each
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped shallots
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup flour and stir until well combined. Gradually add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup white wine, and continue to stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add 2 tbsp chopped shallots, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Place the halibut fillets in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
- Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
Halibut Olympia is a tasty and beautiful dish suited for special events or impressing friends and family. Its creamy sauce and subtle tastes make it a dinner party favorite.
It’s easy to make and reheat at home. You can pair it with roasted veggies, potatoes, rice, salad, toast, or lemon wedges. Try it with cheese, even though it’s not a usual combo. Please try this dish and appreciate it as much as I do.
