Baked Halibut Lemon Butter (Printable)

Flaky halibut fillets baked with a zesty lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs for light elegance.

# What You Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 (6 oz) halibut fillets, skinless
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

03 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ Garnish

08 - Lemon wedges, for serving
09 - Extra parsley, for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
02 - Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
03 - Place the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving adequate space between each piece for even cooking.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until fully combined.
05 - Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over each halibut fillet, ensuring the fish is well coated.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout the center.
07 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemon butter sauce transforms mild halibut into something restaurant-worthy
  • Ready in 25 minutes but looks and tastes like you spent hours
  • Naturally gluten free and packed with lean protein
02 -
  • Patting the fish absolutely dry before seasoning prevents steaming and helps it bake properly
  • Room temperature fish cooks more evenly so try to let it sit out for 15 minutes first
  • The lemon zest is not optional for that aromatic quality that makes this recipe sing
03 -
  • Adding a splash of white wine to the baking dish creates an instant pan sauce as it bakes
  • Cod or sea bass work beautifully if halibut is not available or fits your budget better

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