Baked Halibut Lemon Butter (Printable)

Tender halibut fillets infused with a zesty lemon butter sauce, simple to make and full of fresh flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 halibut fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each, skinless

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

02 - 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

09 - Lemon slices
10 - Extra chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
02 - Gently pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh parsley until well combined.
04 - Evenly brush the lemon butter mixture over the halibut fillets. Season the fish generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Bake the fillets for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
06 - Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon any remaining sauce from the dish over the cooked fillets. If desired, garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers elegant flavor without demanding hours of your precious time in the kitchen.
  • This dish has a way of turning even the simplest weeknight into something truly special and nourishing.
02 -
  • The biggest lesson I learned early on is that overcooked fish is a culinary heartbreak, so keep a close eye on the clock and trust the fork test.
  • Using freshly zested and squeezed lemon dramatically elevates the entire dish, transforming it from good to truly unforgettable.
03 -
  • Always pat your fish fillets thoroughly dry before seasoning and baking; this step is crucial for achieving that desirable flaky texture.
  • Zest your lemon before you juice it; it’s much easier and ensures you get every last bit of fragrant zest.