Lemon Butter Baked Halibut

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5 from 18 votes
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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 recipe.

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).

★★★★★ 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

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.

seasoned halibut.

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

lemon garlic butter.

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.

halibut in baking dish.

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.

halibut recipes.

Alternative cooking methods

While baking the halibut is my preferred method, I’ve also tested the fish cooked in the air fryer and also pan frying it.

Air fryer method: You’ll follow a similar process to my air fryer cod. Once the fish is seasoned, add the fillets to the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stovetop method: Grease a large skillet or frying pan and place the seasoned fish fillets on top. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

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.

baked halibut.

Frequently asked questions

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free. It is also very low in carbs.

Do I need to cover the baking tray with foil?

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.

More delicious white fish to try

baked halibut recipe.

Baked Halibut Recipe

5 from 18 votes
This oven-baked halibut is seasoned with herby lemon butter and cooks in just 15 minutes. The fish turns out flaky, buttery, and tender. Watch the video below to see how I make this in my kitchen!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 16 minutes

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

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 200 C/400 F and gently heat through for a few minutes.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1halibut filletCalories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 8gSodium: 452mgPotassium: 776mgFiber: 0.5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.5mgNET CARBS: 2g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published February 2023, updated and republished April 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 18 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 5 stars
    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.

  3. 5 stars
    Such a simple recipe yet the fish tasted so delicate and delicious. I served mine with asparagus, roasted tomatoes and potatoes. Was absolutely delicious

  4. 5 stars
    as usual, Arman comes up with the easiest, quickest yet elegant recipes. This was so easy and so delicious and the fish was PERFECT!