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My lemon butter baked halibut takes just 15 minutes to prepare and yields flaky and tender fish every time. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and elegant for a date night.
Baked halibut is a dinnertime staple in my household. It’s one of the fish I love to cook for my friends and family because it’s super mildly flavored (aka, it has no fishy taste!). Once you add my lemon butter sauce on top, it’s an instant show-stopper. The fish is tender and flaky and perfectly moist in the middle. Yum!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- It’s fast and easy. All up, you’ll need around 15 minutes.
- Simple ingredients. Halibut fish needs very little seasoning to make it shine.
- Healthy. This fish is packed with vitamins and minerals, like selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. It is also high in protein and low in fat (source).
If you love baked seafood recipes as much as my family does, try my baked haddock, baked salmon in foil, baked flounder, and whole roasted branzino next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“As usual, Arman comes up with the easiest, quickest, yet elegant recipes. This was so easy and so delicious, and the fish was PERFECT!”– Nancy
Key Ingredients
- Halibut filets. This recipe works with both skin-on and skinned fillets. I prefer the skinless fillets as they are easier to season and have a much milder fish flavor.
- Butter and garlic. The lemon and garlic butter are poured over the fish and infuse their flavor during cooking. It also doubles as a sauce when it’s done. You can swap out the butter for extra-virgin olive oil.
- Lemon. Please use fresh lemons and lemon juice, not the bottled kind. I find the latter too acidic (it’s too concentrated to be shelf-stable).
- Seasonings. Dried dill, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
How to make baked halibut
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Pat dry the halibut fillets. Rub them with salt, pepper, and dried dill.
Step 2- Whisk the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Step 3—In a baking dish, place the halibut fillets on top of sliced lemons. Pour the butter mixture over them.
Step 4- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use frozen fillets. You don’t need to worry about using fresh fish every time. Defrost the frozen halibut fillets in the fridge overnight, and remove any excess liquid on the surface of the fillets before seasoning.
- Avoid overcooking. Halibut is a delicate white fish that needs very little cooking time. I suggest using the fork test and pressing down on the center of the fish; it flakes easily when cooked. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 145°F.
- Change the seasonings. Fresh herbs (like fresh dill), lemon zest, and parmesan cheese are also fabulous additions.
If you tried this Baked Halibut recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Baked Halibut Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets 6 ounces each
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 large lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Pat dry the halibut fillets and season them with salt, pepper, and dried dill.
- Whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Place the lemon slices at the base of a small baking dish. Add the seasoned halibut fillets on top and drizzle the lemon butter mixture over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, before removing from the oven and sprinkling with fresh parsley. Drizzle the pan juices over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free. It is also very low in carbs.
It is not necessary to cover the halibut as it bakes. Foil usually serves to trap extra heat and prevent the dish from drying out. Since halibut is so light and the cooking time is quick, there is no need to use it.
Healthy recipe really. I know that lemon and fish go so well together!
Such a great recipe! Although I did substitute the Halibut for salmon, it still turned out to be the best seasoning recipe for fish! Next time Im going to try to get some Halibut to use.
So easy and delicious! I used fresh dill from my garden along with parsley and lots of lemon and garlic. So light and tasty. I am eager to try this combo with other fish as well.
Such a simple recipe yet the fish tasted so delicate and delicious. I served mine with asparagus, roasted tomatoes and potatoes. Was absolutely delicious
Made a yummy fishy Friday
Wow looks so tasty!
The best baked halibut recipe I’ve ever made- so easy and so simple!!
Thanks, Nadia!
as usual, Arman comes up with the easiest, quickest yet elegant recipes. This was so easy and so delicious and the fish was PERFECT!
Aw thank you Nancy
Love your recipes, so easy to follow