Pistachio Crusted Halibut is the Fancyish Dinner You Deserve

It’s about time for a night out – at home. I’ve had a good run of taco dinners and pizza nights lately, but every once in awhile I’m in the mood for something that feels a little more…adult. Fresh, simply-prepared seafood has a way of transporting me to my favorite restaurant or leaving me dreaming about a vacation on the coast.

I love seafood because it leaves me feeling light, but there are so many ways to make it flavor-packed.

Plus fresh fish (like pretty much everything else) is next-level when you add in a little crunch. That’s where the pistachios come in. The nuts give the fish a crispy, golden crust and subtle nutty flavor that’s just delicious.

This is one of those recipes that’s so much easier than it looks. While I was perfecting it, I had flashbacks to the first time I cooked a white fish for my boyfriend and his friends. Long story short, I had never cooked seafood before, and the fish was seriously undercooked. I had really jumped into cooking headfirst, and seafood felt like the big leagues. After my first bite I knew what we were all thinking, and we were too far into the meal to throw it all back into the oven. The four of us sat around the table and picked around the fish for the rest of dinner, and after that, I realized there was no more going rogue in the kitchen. For someone who tends to get ahead of herself, I reluctantly surrendered to following directions more closely, especially with seafood.

I’m happy to report that I’ve come a long way, and seafood is now officially my jam. After that initial embarrassment, I was determined to get it right, so I cooked fish over and over again. I’ve baked, seared, steamed, grilled and now topped it with a fancy crust, and this version is my new fave.

This fish was incredibly easy to make, plus it’s gluten and dairy free and a great source of protein and healthy fat. I chose halibut for its soft, flaky consistency and milder taste, but you could sub cod, seabass, salmon or really any type of fish here. I baked it with some lemon slices for a little extra flavor, and topped it with fresh herbs.

Pair with a light salad or some roasted veggies, and it all comes together in less than 30 minutes. This pistachio crusted halibut will definitely be on repeat at my house this summer. It’s perfect for a date night at home or an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

Scroll on for the recipe, and be sure to rate, comment, and tag us on Instagram if you give it a try!