Baked Lemon Herb Halibut with Garlic Butter Sauce

This easy baked lemon herb halibut recipe delivers incredibly moist, flaky fish layered with savory Mediterranean flavors. Fresh halibut fillets are brushed with a bright herbed marinade, then baked until perfectly tender. A rich garlic butter sauce is drizzled over the top for even more irresistible flavor. Read on for halibut baking tips and an amazing lemon garlic sauce recipe.

Benefits of Baking Halibut

Baking brings out the best qualities in mild, tender halibut:

Juicy Texture

Gentle baking prevents halibut from drying out.

Simple Preparation

Minimal seasoning and fuss - just brush and bake.

Infuses Flavor

Allows marinade or rub to penetrate the meat.

Mess-Free

Halibut bakes conveniently on a sheet pan.

Healthy Technique

No need for extra oil, unlike pan frying.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Halibut

Follow these guidelines for flawlessly cooked halibut:

Pat Halibut Dry

Remove excess moisture for better browning.

Preheat Properly

Fully preheated oven prevents overcooking.

Use Light Coating

Brush with just a thin coating of oil or marinade.

Don't Overbake

Check early - halibut overcooks quickly.

Let It Rest

Carryover cooking occurs after removing from oven.

How to Make Baked Lemon Herb Halibut

This easy recipe delivers incredible flavor:

Ingredients:

Halibut fillets, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, fresh dill or parsley, salt and pepper.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

2. Rinse fillets, pat dry, and place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Brush with herbed marinade made of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily.

Making a Simple Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This easy compound butter sauce adds incredible flavor:

Ingredients:

Butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.

Directions:

1. Soften butter at room temperature.

2. Mash in minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Mix thoroughly to combine then roll into a log, wrap, and refrigerate.

4. Slice off pieces to top fish while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish baked lemon herb halibut with:

- Fresh lemon wedges

- Chopped parsley

- Sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach

- Rice pilaf or couscous

- Mixed green salad

Effortless Yet Elegant Baked Halibut Dinner

This easy baked lemon herb halibut with garlic butter sauce makes an impressive restaurant-worthy meal that takes minimal work. Halibut fillets come out moist and tender encrusted with bright herbal flavor. Topped with rich garlicky butter sauce, it’s a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.

5 FAQs about Baked Lemon Herb Halibut

1. What temperature should you bake halibut?

400°F is ideal. Any hotter may dry it out.

2. How long do you bake halibut fillets?

8-12 minutes usually does the trick depending on thickness. Check early.

3. What herbs go well with halibut?

Lemon, parsley, dill, tarragon, fennel, thyme all complement halibut beautifully.

4. How do you prevent dry baked halibut?

Don't overcook, brush with oil or marinade, and tent with foil if needed.

5. Can you freeze baked halibut?

Yes, it freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.