This Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe is a 20-minute meal, oven-baked, weeknight-friendly seafood dinner that gives you tender, flaky fish with a crisp Parmesan panko topping. It uses fresh halibut fillets, lemon zest and juice, garlic, olive oil, butter, and herbs, all roasted together in the oven for a simple yet impressive main course that works for both family dinners and entertaining.
If you like this seafood recipe, you may also love our Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe, Shrimp Scampi (no wine), or our Shrimp Scampi Bake.
Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Oven-Baked
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Mediterranean-Inspired Seafood
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Green Beans with Almonds, Garlic Butter Potatoes, or Creamy Lemon Orzo with Feta.
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
We've used this halibut method for years, and serving it over herbed orzo with extra lemon always gets compliments from guests. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering dish similar to the flavors in this Bay Scallop Pasta!
- Versatile: Suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.
Key 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.
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.
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How to Make Baked Halibut with Lemon, Garlic, and Panko
STEP 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix the panko, garlic, fresh herbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
STEP 2: Season and Coat the Halibut
Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush each fillet with extra virgin olive oil.
Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet to create 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 the 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.
More Seafood Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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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 to 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
- Bake at 400°F and start checking at 12 minutes so the fish stays moist and tender.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top so it forms a cohesive, crisp crust.
- Let the halibut rest for 2-3 minutes after baking so the juices settle before serving.
Jami Powell says
My family loves this recipe!
Justin says
Halibut heaven! It's one of our favorites.