This Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe is perfect for busy parents and home cooks looking for a quick and delicious meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this oven-baked fish is tender, flaky, and full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight family dinners or entertaining guests.
We love to serve baked halibut with Green Beans with Almonds and Garlic Butter Potatoes for a healthy side.
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Baked halibut is a favorite for its mild flavor and flaky texture. This firm white fish holds up beautifully to baking, soaking up the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and a crunchy panko topping for a meal that’s both easy and delicious.
This baked halibut is a regular on our menu—right alongside Shrimp Scampi (no wine).
If you like this seafood recipe, you may also love our Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe or our Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering dish similar to the mouthwatering flavors in this Bay Scallop Pasta!
- Versatile: Suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.
Ingredients
- Halibut Fillets: Firm and mild-flavored white fish, perfect for baking. Halibut holds up well in the oven, staying tender and flaky.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy topping that complements the tender fish. Panko or traditional breadcrumbs work well.
- Garlic (or Garlic Powder): Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can be used.
- Lemon and Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fish and cuts through the richness of the olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat that enhances the flavor and helps keep the fish moist during baking.
- Butter: Adds richness
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill): Add a fresh and vibrant taste. Herbs like parsley or dill work especially well with fish.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Use to taste
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Halibut: Substitute with cod, sea bass, or tilapia for a different but equally delicious experience.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley or dill with cilantro or basil.
How to Make Baked Halibut with Lemon, Garlic, and Panko
STEP 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients
To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder), 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
STEP 2: Season and Coat the Halibut
Pat the 4 halibut fillets (about 6 ounces each) dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Brush each fillet with extra virgin olive oil. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, creating an even coating.
STEP 3: Prepare the Halibut for Baking
Place the halibut fillets in a baking dish. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the fillets. Arrange slices from 2 lemons around the fillets in the baking dish along with a pat of butter.
STEP 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the halibut in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top during the cooking process. If they don't brown quickly enough, you can place the oven temperature to broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Keep an eye on the fish so it doesn't overcook. Remove it from the oven once it flakes easily with a fork.
Storage
Store leftover baked halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. For reheating, allow the fish to come to room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven.
Recipe FAQs
To ensure it stays moist, make sure to not overcook it. The fish should be baked until it is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually at an internal temperature of 145°F.
Yes, you can use frozen halibut for baking. It is important to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Thaw the halibut in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Baked halibut pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include roasted asparagus, quinoa salad, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a fresh garden salad.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Brush
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets about 6 ounces each
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 lemons sliced, reserve 2 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of zest
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs parsley, dill, or a mix, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic (or garlic powder), fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Brush each halibut fillet with extra virgin olive oil.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet to create an even coating.
- Place the halibut fillets in a baking dish. Drizzle lemon juice over the fillets. Arrange lemon slices around the fillets in the baking dish along with a pat of butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the halibut is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top during the cooking process. If they don't brown quickly enough, you can place the oven temperature to broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve the baked halibut immediately with the lemon slices and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs, if desired.
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Notes
- Halibut: Substitute with cod, sea bass, or tilapia for a different but equally delicious experience.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley or dill with cilantro or basil.
Jami Powell says
My family loves this recipe!
Justin says
Halibut heaven! It's one of our favorites.