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My lemon butter baked halibut cooks up in just 15 minutes and yields flaky and tender fish every time!
If you love baked seafood recipes as much as my family does, try my baked haddock, baked salmon in foil, and whole roasted branzino next.
Table of Contents
Baked halibut is a staple in my kitchen. 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.
Why I love this recipe
- It’s fast and easy. All up, you’ll need around 15 minutes, which includes prep time! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Simple ingredients. Halibut fish needs very little seasoning to make it shine. Butter, lemon, and a few flavor boosters are all you’ll need.
- 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).
★★★★★ 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 the cooking process. 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 lemon and lemon juice, not the bottled kind. I find the latter is too acidic (it’s super concentrated to be shelf-stable).
- Seasonings. Dried dill, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
How to make baked halibut
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Season the Fish. Pat dry the halibut fillets before rubbing them with salt, pepper, and dried dill.
Whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Assemble. Lay the lemon slices on the bottom of the baking dish and lay the halibut fillets on top. Pour the butter mixture over the fillets.
Bake and Serve. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky. Serve with the lemon, garlic butter, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
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 make sure to get rid of any excess liquid on the surface of the fillets before seasoning.
- Avoid overcooking. Halibut is a delicate white fish, so it needs very little cooking time. I suggest using the fork test and pressing down on the center of the fish; it flakes easily when it is cooked. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 145F.
- Change the seasonings. Fresh herbs (like fresh dill), lemon zest, and parmesan cheese are also fabulous additions.
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.
Baked Halibut Recipe
Video
Ingredients
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
More delicious white fish to try
- Grilled rainbow trout
- Grilled red snapper
- Grilled grouper
- Grilled mahi mahi
- Chilean sea bass
- Pan-seared orange roughy
Originally published February 2023, updated and republished April 2024
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