This Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe is perfect for busy parents and home cooks looking for a quick, healthy, 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.
Baked halibut is a popular seafood dish known for its mild flavor and flaky texture. This firm white fish, is perfect for baking as it holds up well to the heat, allowing the flavors to blend well. Our recipe combines halibut with the freshness of lemon and garlic, and a crunchy panko breading, creating a meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
The first time I made this Baked Halibut with Lemon Garlic Breadcrumbs was for a quiet dinner at home with my family. The simple preparation and delicious result quickly made it a favorite. Now, it's a regular part of our meal rotation, and we always look forward to it.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- 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.
- Versatile: Suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.
If you like this Seafood recipe, you may also love our Healthy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe or our Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- What are the Health Benefits of Baked Halibut?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Baked Halibut with Lemon, Garlic, and Panko
STEP ONE: 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 TWO: 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 THREE: 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 FOUR: 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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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 Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and use a Parmesan crust instead.
- Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Brush
- Oven
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover baked halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
To make sure the halibut stays moist, do not overcook it. Keep an eye on the fish, and remove it from the oven once it flakes easily with a fork.
For reheating, allow the fish to come to room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven.
What are the Health Benefits of Baked Halibut?
Halibut is a nutrient-rich fish offering key health benefits. It provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins like D, B6, and B12, crucial for energy and brain health.
The omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health by reducing inflammation. Halibut is low in calories and fat, making it great for weight management.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover lemon juice to make an Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
- Extra garlic can be used in our Shrimp Scampi Recipe without Wine.
- Breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on this Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe for added crunch.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve baked halibut with Green Beans with Almonds for a healthy side.
- Pair with a light and zesty quinoa salad.
- Complement with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Oven-Baked Cod with Tomatoes
- Mussels Marinara Recipe with Garlic and White Wine
- Quick and Easy Baked Crab Cakes Recipe with Panko
- Air Fryer Fish Fingers
Related
More seafood recipes you will love:
FAQ
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.
📖 Recipe
Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe: Tender and Flaky in 20 Minutes
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.
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.
Nutrition
Try this Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut recipe for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Share your results and explore more easy seafood recipes on our blog!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always make sure your fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Store raw fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator and consume cooked fish within 2 days.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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