Baked Halibut

Name: Baked Halibut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound halibut fillets (4 fillets, skin on is okay); ¼ teaspoon coarse salt; 2 tablespoons butter (salted butter, slightly melted); lemon zest from ½ of a lemon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic (finely minced); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped); ⅛ teaspoon pepper; ⅛ teaspoon paprika

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If you want an easy recipe for making halibut that turns out perfect every time, you'll want this recipe. This baked halibut is topped with a garlic lemon butter, adding the perfect amount of flavor.

These halibut fillets are perfectly baked in 10-15 minutes and I've got all the tips you need to know to make it in your kitchen.

Easy halibut recipe

Halibut is one of those dishes I would only order when dining out. Cooking it at home seemed too intimidating. But I finally decided enough was enough and challenged myself to make the best halibut right in my own kitchen. And you know what? I did it!

The halibut is topped with a butter mixture and then baked for just 10-15 minutes. My husband declared this halibut better than any we've ever had in a restaurant.

If I can make this at home, so can you! I've done all the testing and compiled a list of tips just for you.

Another delicious halibut recipe is this Parmesan crusted halibut.

Key ingredients

Fish fillets, butter, lemon and seasonings on a wooden board.

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Halibut - Get the freshest fillets available. Head to a reliable grocery market and select fresh fillets. The fillets should be glossy and white without any dried-out or yellow edges. The smell should be subtle and not fishy smelling. Frozen fillets can be used. Allow them to fully thaw before using.
Butter - I use regular salted butter. You'll want the butter very soft and partially melted.
Garlic - Fresh minced garlic. If you aren't a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
Lemon - Use a fresh lemon. You'll need lemon zest and lemon juice.
Parsley - Fresh Italian or flat-leafed parsley adds a bit of freshness and color.

How to bake halibut

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

Cut your fish into fillets. The piece I bought needed first to be cut in half lengthwise. Just cut right down that natural seam. Then cut into 2 - 2 ½ inch fillets. Leave the skin on the fillets.
Combine the partially melted butter with garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and freshly chopped parsley.

A portion of halibut on parchment paper.

Butter mixed with parsley and lemon zest.

Pat the fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Place fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle fillets with salt.
Spread butter mixture over the top of each fillet.
Sprinkle with paprika and pepper.

A butter mixture spread on top of halibut fillets.

Halibut fillets topped with butter and paprika.

Bake in a preheated 415°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. The fish will be opaque and flakey.
Remove from oven and allow fish to rest for 2-3 minutes before removing from baking sheet.
To serve, slide a metal spatula between the fish and the skin. The fish will easily come away from the skin. If needed, Hold the fish gently in the center while you slide the fillet off the skin.
Serve with lemon wedges.

Baked halibut on a baking sheet with melted butter.

Sliding a spatula under a fish fillet to remove the skin.

Tips for baking perfect halibut fillets

Preheat the oven: Make certain you preheat your oven to 415°F (213°C) before baking the halibut. This ensures even cooking.
Season the fillets: Sprinkle the halibut with a bit of coarse salt before adding the butter mixture.
Bake uncovered: Bake the halibut uncovered to allow the heat to circulate.
Cooking time will vary: Halibut fillets can dry out quickly if overcooked, so it's important to watch them closely. Bake in a preheated oven at 415°F (213°C) for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Visual cues: The halibut fillets should turn opaque and the flesh should be white and easily flake with a fork when they are fully cooked. Examine the side of the fillets to check the color. Look for the fish to be opaque all the way through, not translucent.
Test with a Fork: Grab a fork and gently poke into the center of the largest fillet. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Examine the center. It should be almost opaque, not translucent-looking like raw fish.
Watch the temperature: To ensure that the halibut is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.
Rest before serving: Let the baked halibut fillets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in a more flavorful and tender fish.

Recipe variations

Change up the butter mixture with your favorite herbs. Try adding fresh dill fronds, finely minced rosemary, fresh thyme leaves.

Want a bit of spice? Add a pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder. You could also add finely chopped jalapeno peppers.

For a slightly different variation, use fresh lime juice and lime zest in place of the lemon.

If halibut isn't available, this recipe will also work well with grouper, sea bass, tilapia, or haddock.

Frequently asked questions

How much halibut should I plan for each person?

4-5 ounces makes a typical-sized fillet. If you have big appetites, you may want to plan on 2 fillets per person.

How long do I bake halibut?

Actual baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish, how many you're cooking at one time and your oven.

Can I use frozen halibut?

Yes, frozen halibut can be used. Just allow it to fully thaw before using.

What to do with leftover halibut?

Leftover halibut is perfect used in these fish cakes! Once the leftover fish is fully cooled, you can break it up into chunks and refrigerate until ready to make the fish cakes.

You can also refrigerate any leftovers and add it to a salad

Serving suggestions

Baked halibut goes so well with so many dishes. A few favorites to try include green bean almondine, orzo side dish, or saffron rice and Caesar salad.