Baked Halibut Recipe - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

This baked halibut is a healthy, tasty seafood dish you can prepare and put on the table in just 15 minutes! All you need is some simple seasoning and a hit of citrus.

When it comes to cooking halbut, I like to fry, air fry, and even grill it but baking it really brings out the flavor and natural sweetness of the fish.

Baking any fish is a healthy option that results in some incredibly flaky and delicious fish. Like baked haddock, baked salmon, and whole branzino, halibut can be baked into something truly delicious.

Cooking with halibut is such a joy. It’s a delectable flat fish with delicate flesh that doesn’t need a lot of extra ingredients to make it shine.

Recipe highlights

• It’s fast and easy- The prep for this dish is so quick, and the cooking time is only 12 minutes, so it’s something nutritious and delicious that you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple ingredients- This fish recipe doesn’t require obscure ingredients or fancy cooking equipment. All you need is some simple flavor, your halibut fillets, and a basic baking dish, and you are well on your way to dinner.
• Healthy- Halibut, like many fish, is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, like selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. It is also high in protein and low in fat.

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 into the fish during cooking. It also doubles as a sauce when it’s done. You can swap out the butter for extra-virgin olive oil.
• Seasoning- Kosher salt and black pepper season the fillets before they’re covered in lemon and garlic butter.
• Lemon- For a zing of citrus that goes so well with fish. The lemon is present in the butter, but slices are also placed in the baking dish. This gives the fish something to rest on to stop them from drying out.
• Herbs- The dried dill is rubbed onto the fish, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley serves to finish off the dish before you tuck in.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to bake Halibut

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

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

Step 3- Prepare the Baking Dish. 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.

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. Here is how:

Air fryer instructions: To make air fryer halibut, you’ll follow a similar process to both air fryer tilapia and air fryer cod. Once the fish is seasoned, add the fillets to the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stovetop instructions: 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, and it flakes easily when it is cooked. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer and check the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 145F.
• Change the seasonings– Fresh herbs, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese are also fabulous additions.
• Serve with healthy sides– Potatoes, salad, and fresh vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus are all great ideas.

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

We do not recommend freezing the leftovers as cooked halibut does not thaw out very well.

Frequently Asked Questions

More delicious white fish to try

• Rainbow trout– An elegant fish that cooks quickly and easily.
• Red snapper– The BEST summertime fish.
• Grouper– Easy to find and super flaky and delicious.
• Grilled mahi mahi– An affordable fish that needs very little to taste delicious.