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Home » Recipes

Halibut Recipe

This quick and easy halibut recipe is simple enough for anyone to make! It is surprisingly easy, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. The fish is flaky and buttery, while the sauce is robust and flavorful.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends with a delicious dish. Get ready to experience restaurant-quality seafood at home!

Halibut recipe.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This halibut recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
  • It takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.
  • The mild flavor of halibut allows it to take on the taste of your chosen seasonings and sauces.
  • Halibut is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
  • This is a healthy meal for lunch, dinner, meal prep, and leftovers.
  • Cooked properly, halibut has a beautiful flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
  • This recipe is made with only a few ingredients.
  • It is suitable for many diets and lifestyles.
  • Check out this Blackened Fish Salad or this Air Fryer Mahi Mahi for another delicious seafood recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for this lemon butter halibut recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.

First, use fresh or thawed halibut fillets. Do not cook straight from frozen.

For the seasonings, we love using garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. These complement the fish well without becoming overpowering.

Olive oil helps the fish cook. Use avocado oil if needed.

Unsalted butter adds the classic buttery flavor! We prefer using unsalted because fish naturally has a salty flavor.

A little lemon juice helps tenderize the halibut fillets.

Lastly, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients for halibut recipe.

Taste & Texture

This halibut recipe features light, flaky fish. It easily flakes with your fork.

The mild, yet subtly sweet flavor allows the chosen seasonings and sauces to truly shine.

In addition, the lemon butter sauce adds a tart and rich flavor.

How to Make

Step 1

First, pat the fillets dry with paper towels.  Season on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt.

Seasoned halibut.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.  Once it is shimmery, carefully add in the seasoned fillets.  Cook for 3 minutes on the first side.  Then, add in the butter and lemon juice.

Step 3

Carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky.

Buttery halibut in skillet.

Step 4

Lastly, remove the halibut from the pan.  Garnish with fresh herbs and some of the sauce from the pan.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best halibut recipe at home.

For the most flavorful results, use fresh halibut fillets whenever possible.

If frozen fillets are all that's available, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels.

This ensures even browning and a crispy sear. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the fish before seasoning.

Do not overcook.

Halibut cooks quickly. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, which can make it dry and tough.

Close up of garlic fish.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

This halibut recipe is a jumping-off point for endless flavor possibilities! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Mediterranean: Marinate the halibut in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Asian-inspired: Try a marinade with coconut aminos, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Cajun: Spice things up with a rub of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add some herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can be added to the pan towards the end of cooking for an extra pop of flavor.

How to Serve & Store

This halibut recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Roasted vegetables

Quinoa or brown rice

Mashed potatoes

French fries

A simple green salad

Leftover cooked halibut can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute another fish for halibut?

Yes, cod or sea bass are good substitutes that have a similar flavor and texture.

What is the best way to thaw frozen halibut?

Thaw frozen halibut in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it quickly under cold running water in a sealed bag.

How can I tell if halibut is bad?

Fresh halibut should be firm to the touch and have a mild, fresh smell. Avoid fish that is mushy, discolored, or has a strong fishy odor.

How is halibut supposed to be cooked?

Halibut can be baked, pan seared, grilled, or air fried. This halibut recipe is made in a skillet.

What flavors go well with halibut?

Lemon, butter, and garlic go well with halibut.

White fish in butter sauce.

Equipment Needed

Large Nonstick Skillet: This big nonstick pan is large enough for this healthy halibut recipe.

Check out all of our Kitchen Favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

  • Blackened Fish Tacos
  • Fish Potato Chowder
  • Easy Baked Fish
  • Asian Glazed Fish
  • Almond Encrusted Fish

If you enjoyed this homemade halibut recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.

Halibut recipe.

Halibut Recipe

Savor our easy halibut recipe, with a moist, flaky fish and a zesty lemon-butter glaze. It is complemented by fresh herbs to elevate your seafood dinner. We love this dinner for busy weeknights or hosting friends and family on the weekends!
Prep Time: 3 minutes mins
Cook Time: 7 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Method: One Pot / Sheet Pan
Diet: Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 halibut fillets
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • fresh herbs (to garnish)

Instructions
 

  • First, pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt.
  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is shimmery, carefully add in the seasoned fillets. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Then, add in the butter and lemon juice.
  • Carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky.
  • Finally, remove the halibut from the pan. Garnish with fresh herbs and some of the sauce from the pan.

Notes

  • If you only have frozen halibut, thaw completely before making this recipe.
  • Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
  • The halbut is done cooking when its flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Check out all of our Kitchen Favorites!
    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition Facts
    Halibut Recipe
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 240 Calories from Fat 99
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 11g17%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Trans Fat 0.2g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 98mg33%
    Sodium 408mg18%
    Potassium 763mg22%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    Fiber 0.2g1%
    Sugar 0.1g0%
    Protein 32g64%
    Vitamin A 414IU8%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 16mg2%
    Iron 0.4mg2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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