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Fig Leaf-Wrapped Halibut with Yuzu, Ginger, and Shallot

Fresh halibut fillets wrapped in aromatic fig leaves and baked with yuzu, ginger, garlic, and shallot until the fish is silky tender and perfumed with the leaves’ incredible coconut-vanilla fragrance. Fifteen minutes in the oven and you have the most elegant, effortless dinner imaginable.

Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 fresh fig leaves, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 halibut fillets, about 6 ounces each
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 yuzu, roughly chopped (or substitute 1 small lemon)
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, roughly chopped
  • 1 shallot, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line the bottom of a lidded casserole dish or Dutch oven with half of the fig leaves, overlapping them slightly so the fish has a full bed to rest on. The leaves should smell faintly sweet and almost tropical when you handle them.
  3. Place the halibut fillets on top of the leaves and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Scatter the roughly chopped yuzu, garlic, ginger, and shallot over and around the fillets. The aromatics should be distributed evenly so they perfume the fish from every angle.
  5. Cover the fillets with the remaining fig leaves, tucking them around the edges so the fish is fully enclosed in a fragrant packet. Place the lid on the casserole dish.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes. When you lift the lid, the kitchen will fill with an incredible coconut-vanilla aroma from the fig leaves. The halibut should be opaque white all the way through, flake easily when pressed gently with a fork, and feel silky and tender rather than firm. The aromatics will have softened and melted into the juices pooling around the fish.
  7. Carefully unwrap the top fig leaves and transfer the halibut to plates, spooning the fragrant juices and softened aromatics over each fillet.

Notes

Fig leaves are the star here and there is no true substitute for their unique coconut-vanilla perfume. If you cannot find fig leaves, you can wrap the halibut in banana leaves or parchment paper, but the flavor will be different. Check farmers markets or ask neighbors with fig trees.

If you cannot find yuzu, substitute half a lemon and half a lime for a similar bright, floral citrus flavor. The key is using the whole fruit, including the rind, so the oils from the peel infuse the fish as it bakes.

This method works beautifully with other firm white fish like cod, sea bass, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time up or down depending on the thickness of your fillets — look for the flesh to be opaque all the way through.

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