Name: Heavenly Halibut
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 halibut fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon, sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A perfectly cooked halibut fillet with light, flavorful seasoning for an elegant yet simple dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but can be made in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Heavenly Halibut recipe delivers a gourmet dining experience with minimal effort. The clean flavors allow the delicate taste of fresh halibut to shine while the simple preparation method ensures perfectly cooked fish every time. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or cooking fish for the first time, this foolproof recipe creates a light yet satisfying meal that’s impressive enough for company but easy enough for weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll add this to your regular rotation of favorite meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Halibut fillets serve as the star of this dish with their mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, flaky texture. Look for fillets that appear translucent with a fresh, ocean scent – avoid any that seem dull or smell overly fishy.

Olive oil helps conduct heat evenly across the fish while adding a subtle richness that complements the delicate flavor of halibut. It also helps prevent the fish from drying out during baking.

Lemon brightens the entire dish with its fresh, zesty flavor that enhances the natural taste of seafood without overpowering it. The acid in lemon also helps tenderize the fish slightly as it cooks.

Fresh parsley contributes a pop of color and a clean, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the fish and lemon. It adds both visual appeal and a subtle flavor enhancement.

Salt and pepper are the only seasonings needed to highlight the natural flavors of quality halibut. Sea salt or kosher salt works particularly well, but table salt is perfectly fine too.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the halibut fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt and pepper.
Place lemon slices on top of the fish and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
Serve with additional lemon wedges and garnish with extra parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and makes an excellent main dish when paired with a side salad and roasted vegetables or rice. The total time from start to finish is just 23 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep time and 18 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, making this a nutritious, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for those focusing on healthy eating.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add a sprinkle of oregano, diced tomatoes, and olives before baking for a Mediterranean twist.

Asian Inspired: Replace the lemon and parsley with a glaze made from soy sauce, ginger, honey, and a touch of sesame oil.

Herb Crusted: Create a crust with panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and a mixture of herbs like thyme and rosemary before baking.

Cajun Flavor: Season the fish with Cajun spice blend instead of just salt and pepper for a spicier variation.

Citrus Medley: Use a combination of citrus (orange, lime, and lemon) for a more complex flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover halibut can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, consume the fish within 24 hours of cooking as seafood tends to deteriorate in quality rather quickly.

When reheating, do so gently to prevent the fish from drying out. Place in a covered dish with a tablespoon of water and warm in the oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave at 50% power with a damp paper towel covering the fish.

For meal prep purposes, you can prepare the seasonings ahead of time, but it’s best to cook halibut fresh rather than storing it cooked for multiple days.

Freezing cooked halibut is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture upon thawing, often resulting in a mushy consistency.

Heavenly Halibut

FAQs

How do I know when halibut is properly cooked?

Perfectly cooked halibut should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F. Be careful not to overcook halibut as it can quickly become dry and tough.

What should I look for when buying halibut?

Look for fillets with firm, translucent flesh that springs back when touched. The fish should smell fresh and oceanic, not fishy. Wild Pacific halibut is generally considered the best choice for sustainability and flavor.

Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.

What sides pair well with halibut?

Halibut pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed vegetables, wild rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider adding roasted potatoes or a light risotto.

Can I grill this halibut instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the seasoned fillets on a piece of foil or a well-oiled grill grate. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily.

How thick should halibut fillets be for this recipe?

Ideal thickness for halibut fillets is between 1 to 1½ inches. This thickness allows for even cooking while maintaining moisture. Adjust cooking time accordingly for thinner or thicker pieces.

Is halibut high in mercury?

Halibut contains moderate levels of mercury compared to other seafood. It’s generally safe to consume in reasonable amounts, but pregnant women and young children should limit their intake to once a week.

Can I add wine to the recipe?

Yes, a splash of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be added to the baking dish for additional flavor. Pour about ¼ cup around (not over) the fish before baking.

What’s the best substitute if I can’t find halibut?

If halibut isn’t available, try cod, sea bass, or grouper as substitutes. These white fish have similar textures and mild flavors that work well with this recipe’s simple seasoning approach.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. If you’re considering variations that might include butter or other dairy products, simply substitute with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Halibut recipe proves that spectacular seafood doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. The beauty lies in its simplicity—allowing the natural flavors of fresh halibut to shine through with just the right complementary notes from lemon and parsley. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this halibut recipe strikes the ideal balance between elegance and ease. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your seafood recipe collection.