Baked Halibut Recipe with Lemon Garlic Butter

I love this tender and flavorful baked halibut for an easy dinner! This easy baked halibut recipe takes less than 25 minutes and turns out moist, flakey, and perfect every time. It’s great for date nights, easy weeknight meals, and even special occasions! These succulent fillets are always a crowd-pleaser. 

The best halibut recipe

Believe me when I say that once you try this method for cooking halibut, you’ll never want to try a different recipe. It’s just so good and so foolproof. 

It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, but fancy enough for a date night in or a dinner party! The versatility is amazing. 

Speaking of versatility, this easy recipe can be used with a variety of other white fish species! I have a whole section on it below. 

This baked halibut uses just a few simple ingredients and only takes 25 minutes to throw together. And since fish cooks quickly compared to other meats, it is perfect for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner. Quick and easy, yet oh-so-delicious. 

This simple fish dinner is low carb, keto, and made with all fresh, real food ingredients.

How to cook halibut

Halibut is a nutrient-dense, firm white fish with a delicate, sweet flavor and a flaky texture. It has a very mild flavor, so it can really be used in a variety of different applications. 

There are tons of easy halibut recipes out there, but this is by far the best recipe (and the easiest!). There are many different ways to cook halibut, but I really like baking it best. Cooking halibut is really very simple. I love it with a simple garlic herb butter to let the flavor and texture of the fish really shine!

Ways to cook halibut

• Bake/Roast
• Pan-Sear
• Sear then roast
• Air fry
• Steam
• Poach
• En papillote (French for “in paper”)

The best way to cook halibut – baking/roasting is the way to go!

My favorite way to cook halibut is by baking in a bath of delicious garlic herb butter. I mean… is there anything better than garlic butter?? Add some succulent, flaky fish and you’ve got an irresistible dinner. Since halibut is such a lean fish, the butter really helps keep it moist as it cooks. 

This butter baking/roasting method is the best way to cook halibut because it ensures this flaky white fish has the best texture and stays moist and tender, even if you happen to overcook it a bit. It happens to all of us!

Simple pan-searing halibut on the stove top is also a delicious way to cook it, but the flipping can be problematic for such a delicate fish. This recipe for baked halibut is great for all skill levels, even if it’s your first time making fish!

Ingredients to make this baked halibut

• 2 halibut fillets (about 5oz each)
• ½ cup salted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives
• 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into 2 slices and 4 wedges

-I like to add a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for a little spice. This amount of cayenne pepper doesn’t actually make it spicy, but rather brings out all the other flavors of the dish. I highly recommend it!

How to make baked halibut with lemon garlic butter

(printable recipe card below!)

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

2. Pat fish fillets dry with paper towel to get rid of excess water and debone. No need to let them come to room temperature before cooking. 

2. Melt butter in a glass measuring cup or small bowl. Mix in garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until the salt dissolves. 

4. Grease a baking dish, place halibut fillets in the greased baking dish, then spoon half of the melted butter mixture over the tops. Top each halibut filet with 1 lemon slice. I recommend a glass or ceramic baking dish with high sides as opposed to a sheet pan/baking sheet. If your fillets have skin then cook with the skin side down. 

5. Bake in preheated 400º F oven on the middle rack for 12-16 minutes. The cook time is based on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature should be between 130-135ºF or when it is just beginning to turn opaque in the center and fish flakes easily with a fork. I don’t usually use a meat thermometer for cooking fish, but it is an option if you want to make sure you get it just right. 

6. Serve this delicious baked halibut with remaining lemon butter sauce and lemon wedges to squeeze on some fresh lemon juice at the end! YUM! 

7. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

-Butter can also be melted in a small pot over medium heat.

-You can remove the cooked lemon slices before serving, if desired. I like to keep them for serving since they look so nice!

-While the halibut cooks you can finish up any side dishes.

-Always use fresh lemons and not the bottled stuff. This recipe is great with lots of lemon!

How to get tender halibut every time

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet. Use the handy cooking time chart below to decide how long to bake your halibut fillets. 

Halibut Cooking Time for Best Results:

-For ¾” fillets cook for 12 minutes.

-For 1” fillets cook for 14 minutes

-For 1.5” fillets cook for 16 minutes

-For 2” fillets cook for 18 minutes

Equipment needed to make the best baked halibut recipe

• Oven
• Glass measuring cup or small bowl
• Paper towels
• Glass or ceramic baking dish/baking pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Glass storage containers

Can I use frozen halibut fillets?

Fresh fish fillets are always best, but you would be surprised at how good frozen halibut is! I honestly think the difference in flavor is almost undetectable! 

Modern flash freezing technology freezes the fish right on the boat for the freshest fish. It’s super fresh tasting and preserves the great flavor!

When choosing halibut at the seafood counter or market, a fresh halibut filet should be firm, white, moist, and smell like the sea. There should be no detectable fishy scent or discoloration of the flesh. And if it’s slimy at all, run.

What to serve with this baked halibut recipe

I love to serve this baked halibut with a fresh baguette and French green beans. The bread is great for soaking up the extra garlic butter!

For a healthy dinner option, serve with your choice of green beans, a simple side salad, asparagus and some roasted root vegetables like beets, parsnip, and carrots. All of these are delicious options for a healthy meal! You can roast them ahead of time or throw them in an air fryer if you want to make them while the halibut it baking.

For a low carb option, just choose 2 of your favorite vegetable sides or pair with 1 green veggie and cauliflower rice. 

Halibut is an excellent source of protein and can be great for those looking to add more lean protein to their diet.

Halibut season and where to buy halibut

Halibut are found in the cold waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, the northern Atlantic Ocean, and the Barents Sea (between Norway and Russia). Different regions have different seasons for halibut fishing and some fisheries are open year-round. 

Pacific halibut from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest is most commonly available fresh for purchase in the spring and summer months. Peak season for halibut from New England and eastern Canada is in the summer months.

In the Unites States you can often purchase halibut fresh at your local fish market or seafood counter at the grocery stores. I always have good luck at Whole Foods and can usually find MSC certified sustainable halibut fresh.

If you can’t find it there, take a look in the frozen section at your local grocery store! As discussed above, frozen seafood is actually very good!

You can also find this delicious cold water fish online and get it delivered right to your door! If you are in the U.S., check out this great seller!

As always, please be sure you are choosing sustainably sourced seafood. It is imperative to make sure that these fish populations can thrive and that these amazing natural resources are available for generations to come. 

Other fish species that can be used with this same fish recipe!

I’m a huge fan of halibut, but it can sometimes be difficult to find. Here are some great alternatives that you can use with this same yummy recipe!

• Red snapper – Red snapper is hands down my favorite fish! It is another fish with mild white flesh, but it just has a wonderful, distinct taste that you can’t find in any other fish. I can’t quite put my finger on what that is… all I know is it’s delicious! If you haven’t tried it before, take this as your sign. 
• Sea bass – You can use Chilean sea bass or black sea bass. Both are great fish!
• Mahi mahi – Another fish light in flavor and a great alternative for this recipe.
• Haddock – Known for its classic use in fish and chips, haddock is also great in this recipe. It has a buttery, sweet taste that is just divine with the garlic herb butter. 
• Flounder – This sand colored fish with brown spots is another delicious flat fish with light flavor. Since the fillets tend to be thinner, you can roast at a higher temperature (~425ºF) for slightly less time. 
• Salmon – A less tender, more meaty fish but also great baked with garlic butter! The butter can actually help prevent the white stuff (albumen) from leaking out of the salmon while cooking.

Love seafood? Check out some of my other popular fish recipes!

• Baja Fish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema
• Baked Swordfish with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
• This delicious salmon recipe
• Pan-seared halibut recipe

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Baked Halibut with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Gluten-Free
• Low Carb
• Keto
• Pescatarian

5 from 60 votes

Print

This delicious baked halibut recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Total Time: 22 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients 

• 2 halibut fillets about 5oz each
• ½ cup salted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives
• 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into 2 slices and 4 wedges

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
• Pat halibut fillets dry and debone.
• Melt butter. Mix in garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until the salt dissolves.
• Grease a baking dish, place fillets in the baking dish, then spoon half of the butter mixture over the tops. Top each fillet with 1 lemon slice.
• Bake on the middle rack for 12-16 minutes. The cook time is based on the thickness of the fillets.
• Serve with remaining garlic butter and lemon wedges.

Did you love the recipe? I would love it if you left me a 5-star review below!

Notes

-Mine were about ¾” and took 12 minutes.
-For 1” fillets cook for 14 minutes
-For 1.5” fillets cook for 16 minutes
-For 2” fillets cook for 18 minutes
-I like to add a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for a little heat.

Category:

• 25 minutes
• American
• Date Night
• Dinner
• Fish
• French
• Gluten-Free
• Keto
• Low Carb
• Main Dish
• Pescatarian
• Quick Weeknight Dinners
• Spring
• Summer
• White fish

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FAQ

Some other ingredients or variations to try

• Extra virgin olive oil – If you are trying to avoid butter or want a different flavor, then olive oil is a great option! Just use the olive oil mixture the same way you would the butter mixture in the recipe. 
• Garlic powder – If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder or granulated garlic can be used in a pinch. 
• Cherry tomatoes – Add some quartered cherry tomatoes on top of the fish before baking for some extra flavor, a sweet taste, and a pop of color!
• Heavy cream – Add 1/4 cup of room temperature heavy cream to the baking dish for a creamy baked halibut. YUM!! You’ll want to reduce by a few tablespoons of butter if you add the heavy cream. Not the most low calorie option, but seriously delicious!!
• Fresh dill or other fresh herbs
• Parmesan mixture for a crispy crust – Mix together parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs to top the fillets. The mixture will turn golden brown and give this dish a nice crispy top! Since the flavor of halibut is mild, this pairs really well with it! And you can’t beat a good crunch with each bite of fish. 
• Kosher salt – It can be used in a pinch, but I generally recommend sea salt for the health benefits and superior flavor. 
• White wine
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh limes – lime juice
• Lemon zest – This healthy fish goes so well with lemon zest, so feel free to add some just before serving. It can really help to bring out the taste of fish. 
• Sesame seeds – Toast them in a hot pan over medium-high heat, tossing often until fragrant.
• Parchment paper – You can cook halibut en papillote (in parchment paper pouches) if you want a more weight loss friendly option. At 400ºF the paper will not burn, so no need to use a lower temperature.