Description
Flaky baked halibut with a creamy Parmesan topping that creates a golden crust. Restaurant-quality fish in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main protein 4 fillets (6 oz each, 1 inch thick)
- Richness, browning 3 tbsp
- Brightness, acid balance 2 tbsp (1 lemon)
- Aromatic depth 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh flavor 2 tbsp chopped (dill, parsley, chives)
- Prevents sticking 1 tbsp
- Flavor ½ tsp
- Subtle warmth ¼ tsp
- Color, subtle smoke ¼ tsp (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Fish (5 Minutes) — Pat halibut fillets completely dry with paper towels — this is the single most important step for browning. Wet fish steams instead of bakes. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare the butter.
- Make the Lemon Herb Butter (3 Minutes) — Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, half the fresh herbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. Set aside — this is your basting sauce.
- Arrange in Baking Dish — Lightly oil a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place fillets skin-side down (or flat-side down if skinless) with at least 1 inch between each piece for even heat circulation. Spoon half the lemon herb butter over each fillet.
- Bake at 400°F (12–15 Minutes) — Bake until the fish reaches 130°F internal temperature — typically 12–15 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets. At the halfway point (7 minutes), spoon the remaining butter over the fish. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still has a slightly translucent center (carryover cooking finishes it).
- Rest and Serve (3 Minutes) — Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes — the temperature will rise 5–10°F during resting, reaching the perfect 135–140°F. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately on warm plates alongside aussie prawn salad for a stunning seafood dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 186
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 36g