Lemon Butter Baked Halibut

This lemon butter baked halibut cooks up in just 15 minutes and yields flaky and tender fish every time!

Love baked seafood recipes? Try my baked haddock, baked salmon in foil, and whole roasted branzino.

Baked halibut is a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of the fish I love to cook my friends and family because it’s super mild flavored (aka no fishy taste!). Once you add my lemon butter sauce on top, it’s an instant show-stopper.

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make baked halibut
4. Alternative cooking methods
5. Recipe tips and variations
6. Storage instructions
7. Frequently asked questions
8. More delicious white fish to try
9. Baked Halibut Recipe (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• It’s fast and easy. All up, you’ll need around 15 minutes and that includes the 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).

Ingredients needed

• 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.

Step 1- Season the Fish. Pat dry the halibut fillets before rubbing them with salt, pepper, and dried dill.

Step 2- Whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Step 3- 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.

Step 4- 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.

Recipe tips and variations

• 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.

Storage instructions

To store: Any leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Place in the oven at 200C/400F and gently heat through for a few minutes. I do not recommend freezing the leftovers, as cooked halibut does not thaw out very well.

Frequently asked questions

More delicious white fish to try

• Grilled rainbow trout
• Grilled red snapper
• Grilled grouper
• Grilled mahi mahi
• Chilean sea bass

Originally published February 2023, updated and republished April 2024