This is the only halibut in oven recipe you will ever need. Forget dry, overcooked fish forever. We’re diving into a simple, foolproof method that yields perfectly flaky, unbelievably moist, and tender halibut every single time. With a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce and ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, elegant, and incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or cooking fish for the first time, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the ideal oven temperature to the secret for ensuring maximum moisture. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you share it with!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Baked Halibut Recipe
- Perfectly Cooked: This recipe is engineered to produce tender, flaky halibut that flakes beautifully with a fork. No more guesswork!
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, making it the ultimate healthy weeknight dinner.
- Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: It uses pantry staples like lemon, garlic, and butter to create a sauce that enhances the halibut’s delicate, sweet flavor without overpowering it.
- Healthy and Light: Halibut is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3s. Baking is one of the healthiest ways to prepare it.
- Versatile: This simple method is a perfect base. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re using a few high-quality ingredients to let the mild, sweet flavor of the halibut shine.
- Halibut Fillets: You’ll want about 1.5 pounds of halibut, cut into four 6-ounce fillets. Look for fillets that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking. Both fresh and frozen (thawed) work well.
- Unsalted Butter: This forms the rich base of our sauce. You can substitute with high-quality olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic, savory flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Lemon: We use both the juice and fresh slices. The acidity brightens up the rich butter and complements the fish perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor at the end. Dill or chives are also excellent choices.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the fish and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make The Perfect Halibut in the Oven (Step-by-Step)
Achieving restaurant-quality baked halibut is as simple as 1-2-3. Follow these steps for a flawless result.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Halibut
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature helps cook the fish quickly, locking in moisture. While the oven heats up, gently pat your halibut fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step! Removing excess moisture helps the fish to bake rather than steam, and allows the seasonings to adhere properly. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in a baking dish and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined. This simple sauce is the key to a moist and flavorful fish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the halibut fillets in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is coated. Top each fillet with a slice or two of fresh lemon. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the halibut from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Halibut
- Don’t Overcook: This is the number one rule for any fish. Halibut cooks very quickly. Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark. The best way to check is with a digital thermometer; it should read 130-135°F in the thickest part.
- Pat It Dry: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. A dry surface ensures the sauce clings to the fish and prevents it from becoming watery.
- Use Frozen Fillets: No fresh halibut? No problem. You can bake it from frozen. Just rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze, pat them dry, and add about 5-8 minutes to the total baking time.
- Thickness Matters: A 1-inch thick fillet will take about 12-14 minutes at 400°F. For thinner fillets, check sooner. For thicker ones, add a few minutes.
Recipe Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Mediterranean Halibut: Add a handful of cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the baking dish for a delicious one-pan Mediterranean meal.
- Parmesan Crusted Halibut: Mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs with the melted butter to create a crispy, savory topping. It’s similar to this fantastic parmesan crusted halibut recipe.
- Spicy Blackened Halibut: For a kick of heat, try seasoning your fish with a bold blackening spice blend. While baking is great, a pan-seared blackened halibut (coming soon) offers an incredible crust.
How to Know When Halibut Is Done
Perfectly cooked halibut is opaque and flakes easily. Overcooked halibut is tough and dry. Here are the two best ways to check for doneness:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| The Fork Test | Gently insert the tines of a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist. If the fish flakes apart easily into layers, it’s done. If it’s still translucent or resists flaking, it needs another minute or two. |
| Internal Temperature | For the most accurate result, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish. The USDA recommends 145°F, but many chefs pull fish off the heat at 130-135°F and let it rest for 5 minutes, as it will continue to cook from residual heat. This ensures a much moister result. |
What to Serve with Baked Halibut
This simple baked halibut pairs well with almost anything. Some of our favorite side dishes include:
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes
- Quinoa or a fluffy rice pilaf
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven to avoid drying it out. Place the fish in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Halibut in Oven Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Flaky, Tender Fish
This foolproof halibut in oven recipe delivers perfectly flaky, moist, and tender fish every time. Coated in a simple lemon garlic butter sauce, it's a healthy and elegant dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Gently pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the halibut fillets. Top each fillet with one or two thin slices of lemon.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The halibut is done when it is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork, or reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Overcook: This is the most important tip. Check the fish early to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Thickness Varies: A general rule is to bake for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, but always use visual cues or a thermometer for best results.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with an equal amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Halibut in Oven Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Flaky, Tender Fish
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Gently pat the halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the halibut fillets. Top each fillet with one or two thin slices of lemon.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The halibut is done when it is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork, or reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Thickness Varies: A general rule is to bake for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, but always use visual cues or a thermometer for best results.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with an equal amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halibut in Oven Recipe
Yes, you can bake halibut from frozen. First, rinse the frozen fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze, then pat them dry. Follow the recipe as directed, but plan to add about 5-8 minutes to the total baking time.
The two most important things are to not overcook it and to use a sauce. A simple lemon garlic butter sauce adds moisture and flavor. Remove the fish from the oven as soon as it flakes easily to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
A 1-inch thick halibut fillet typically takes 10-15 minutes to bake at 400°F. The best way to check for doneness is when the fish flakes easily with a fork or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130-135°F.
Halibut has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with simple seasonings. Lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme are classic choices. A generous amount of salt and pepper is also essential to enhance its natural flavor.
The best temperature for baking halibut is 400°F (200°C). This higher heat cooks the fish quickly, which helps to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out, resulting in a tender, flaky fillet.
More Delicious Halibut Recipes
If you loved this simple halibut in oven recipe, you should explore other amazing ways to cook this versatile fish! A perfectly pan-seared halibut offers a crispy, golden crust, while these summer-ready halibut tacos with chipotle slaw are always a crowd-pleaser.
We hope this becomes your go-to recipe for baked halibut. If you try it, please leave a comment and rating below. We’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!
