Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe

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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Servings:

Calories: 399kcal

Author: Jami Powell

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.

Notes

Cooking Notes:

Pat the halibut completely dry before adding oil so the breadcrumb topping adheres properly. Keep the fillets similar in thickness so they finish cooking at the same time. If needed, finish with a quick broil for color, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Tips for Best Results:

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.

How to Know It’s Ready:

The halibut should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. The topping should be golden brown and lightly crisp to the touch.

Nutrition