Fish is always a welcome dinner entrée, and this baked halibut recipe will please your family. However, this baked halibut recipe isn’t just a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This fish recipe is the perfect meal to serve to company, too. Baked halibut is low in carbohydrates and feels like a gourmet dinner.
Why You Will Fall in Love With This Baked Halibut Recipe
What are some of the many reasons to love this baked halibut recipe?
Baked halibut is easy to cook and is ready in less than 20 minutes.
Baked halibut is elegant enough for special occasions and holidays, including Christmas, birthdays, and even Thanksgiving if you want a less traditional meal.
This baked halibut recipe is perfect for special diets, including paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, keto, low-carb, nut-free, and sugar-free diets.
The butter-garlic sauce included in this recipe makes the fish even more delicious.
Ingredient List and Substitutions
You need just a few main ingredients to make this baked halibut recipe or grilled halibut. For the full list of ingredients, scroll to the bottom of this article for more details and instructions, nutrition information, and instructions for cooking this fish.
We recommend using fresh halibut fillets for the best results. You can find fresh halibut fillets at most fish markets and supermarkets. If you use frozen halibut fillets, be sure to thaw them out completely before cooking this fish recipe.
For butter flavor and to help your halibut stay moist, you need to use plenty of butter. Olive oil is also great for this recipe. If you use olive oil, use about the same amount that you would use if you were using butter.
The minced garlic adds tons of flavor to this dish. We like to use fresh garlic cloves, but you can also use minced or diced garlic that comes in a jar.. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
For a nice flavor and some gorgeous color when cooking fish, use smoked paprika or sweet paprika.
We love to use sea salt to make this baked halibut recipe, but you can also use kosher salt or regular table salt. Black pepper adds all the spicy flavor you need, and you can use freshly ground pepper or coarsely ground black pepper.
The lemon slices (or lemon wedges) add freshness, brightness, and a delicious lemon tang to your baked halibut. You can also garnish your main dish with roasted cherry tomatoes.
Other options for seasoning include fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, bell pepper, red pepper, and other fresh herbs.
What Exactly Is Halibut?
Did you know that halibut can grow to be as much as nine-feet long? Halibut is a flat fish, and it’s the largest white fish of its kind in the sea. In fact, the name “halibut” translates to “holy flat fish,” and roasted halibut is a very common fish to cook for Catholic holy days.
You can buy both wild-caught and farm-raised halibut, and this delicious fish has a white belly and a brown top.
Halibut’s Texture and Taste
Halibut is a fresh fish with a slightly sweet taste that’s very mild. Because halibut has a light flavor, it’s perfect for pairing with flavors that are more intense.
This baked halibut recipe is buttery, fresh, and full of delicious garlic flavor. Since halibut goes so well with intense seasoning, the paprika and garlic bring out all of the flavors of this healthy fish.
Steps for Making Baked Halibut
Below, we outline the steps for making this delicious baked halibut recipe.
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Make sure that it’s fully pre-heated before you put the fish in the oven.
Step 2
Find a square or rectangular-shaped baking sheet. Spray the baking sheet with non-stick olive oil spray to keep the halibut from sticking to the bottom. Put the halibut fillets in the pan.
Step 3
Combine your minced garlic, melted salted butter, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt in a bowl. Stir well until all of the ingredients are fully mixed, then pour the butter mixture over the halibut fillets.
Step 4
Place the baking pan with your halibut fillets in the oven. Bake for between 12 and 13 minutes. You don’t need to turn the fillets halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re fully cooked when they’re fully opaque and not transparent. If you use a cooking thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5
When the baked fish is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish your cooked halibut with freshly chopped parsley flakes and lemon slices. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the fish or serve it with tartar sauce.
Expert Tricks and Tips for Perfect Baked Halibut
Here are some tips to make sure your baked halibut recipe comes out perfectly.
Use either farm-raised or wild-caught halibut fish, but using fresh halibut instead of frozen fish will give you a better finished dish.
Use the amount of butter that the recipe calls for. If you use less, it will affect the texture and flavor of the halibut.
Remember that cooked fish such as halibut has a mild flavor, so you need to use some seasonings and some lemon juice.
Bake the halibut just until it’s no longer transparent. Don’t overcook your halibut.
Do you want to make this recipe with other fresh fish? Try sea bass or tilapia.
Where You Can Buy Halibut
Pacific halibut and Alaska halibut are both sold at most fish markets or supermarkets. You can also buy halibut in online fish markets. If you buy frozen halibut, be sure to thaw it before cooking it.
Serving and Storing Baked Halibut
Baked halibut is best when served right after baking. We like to garnish our baked halibut with lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley.
For side dishes, you can serve your baked halibut with any vegetable or side that you would normally serve with any baked fish. Halibut is perfect with healthy veggie sides such as grilled asparagus or roasted asparagus and green beans. This recipe can also be enjoyed with a cherry tomato and spring mix salad.
If you want a starchy side dish, go for some mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. French fries and rice are also delicious halibut side dishes.
For beverages, you can enjoy water, white wine, or red wine.
If you have leftover halibut, you can store it in your refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to three days.
How long should I bake halibut at different temperatures?
For a tender and flavorful baked halibut, it’s essential to follow appropriate cooking times and temperatures. Typically, you should bake halibut at 400 to 450°F (200 to 230°C). At 400°F, bake for 10-12 minutes, while at 450°F, it generally requires 8-10 minutes. However, you should always keep an eye on the fish and cook until it flakes easily with a fork.
What is a good halibut recipe with bread crumbs?
A delicious halibut recipe using breadcrumbs involves coating the fillets with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and olive oil. Simply combine these ingredients to form a paste, then press onto the halibut fillets and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the fish flakes easily.
Are there any keto-friendly baked halibut recipes?
Yes, there are keto-friendly baked halibut recipes. One popular option is to prepare a sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, butter, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Pour the sauce over the halibut fillets and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. This recipe is both low-carb and full of flavor.
What’s a popular baked halibut recipe using mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese?
A popular baked halibut recipe using mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese features a topping made of equal parts mayonnaise and grated Parmesan, seasoned with minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Spread the topping evenly over the halibut fillets and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and the topping is golden.
How can I prevent my halibut from drying out while cooking?
To prevent halibut from drying out during cooking, ensure you don’t overcook it. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature – aim for 145°F (63°C). Additionally, consider using a marinade or sauce to keep the fish moist, and cover it with foil during baking. It’s also essential to avoid using high heat for extended periods, as it can cause the fish to dry out.
What are some pan-seared halibut recipe options?
Pan-seared halibut is a great alternative to baked recipes. To create a tasty pan-seared halibut dish, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned (salt and pepper) fillets. Sear them for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. For extra flavor, you can finish the dish by adding a sauce made with white wine, lemon juice, butter, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Baked Halibut Recipe
Let's prepare this delicious halibut fillet recipe.
Lay the halibut fillets in a rectangular baking pan.
Combine the minced garlic, melted butter, black pepper, and sea salt in a medium-sized bowl.
Pour the butter mixture over the fillets.
Bake the halibut fillets for 12-13 minutes. The halibut is fully cooked when it is no longer transparent but is completely opaque.
Remove the sheet pan with the fish from the oven.
Garnish your baked halibut with chopped fresh parsley, a lemon wedge, or lemon slices.
Notes
These tips will help you make the most of this baked halibut recipe.Use fresh halibut fillets for the best results.
Cook for longer if your fillets are larger.
You'll know your halibut fillets are completely cooked when they're not transparent any longer.
You can store the leftovers for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
