If you're looking to elevate your dinner game with little effort but maximum flavor. My Baked Halibut Recipe With Lemon is for YOU. It's simple to prepare and bakes in under 20 minutes.
The za'atar seasoning and my genius hack of baking the lemon right alongside the fish infuses the halibut with a zesty flavor that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
This recipe was inspired by my Lemon Garlic Broiled Salmon and my Broiled Cajun Blackened Cod they both require minimal effort and are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this simple lemon baked halibut is that it requires fewer than 10 ingredients. Each ingredient plays a role in taking this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Fresh halibut
- Za'atar seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lemon
- Avocado oil
See recipe card for quantities.
Best Way to Bake Halibut With Lemon
Now, let's dive into these simple steps to making this quick baked halibut recipe, so it's flaky and cooked to perfection. I hope you continue to follow along as I guide you through each step from- seasoning, to the oven, to bringing it all together.
- Drizzle the halibut with avocado oil and season generously
- Place it into the oven to bake
- When your halibut is done, remove it from the oven
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy
Substitutions
If you're looking to switch things up, here are some great substitutions you can try with this recipe.
- Instead of halibut you can try another firm white fish such as sea bass or cod.
- If za'atar isn't available, try combining, dried thyme and oregano, and sesame seeds for a similar flavor profile.
- For a sweeter citrusy taste, substitute Meyer lemons for regular lemons.
Variations
There are a number of ways you can put a unique spin on this easy baked halibut recipe. You can easily transform this dish by experimenting with other seasoning blends that compliment each other in terms of taste.
- For a Cajun Twist: Use a Cajun spice blend instead of za'atar. This will bring a more robust flavor that equally delicious.
- Greek Inspired: Add plump red cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives to the baking sheet/dish then garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color to the dish and makes a beautiful presentation.
Equipment
For this recipe I used a baking sheet lined with foil. Please note that the foil is carefully folded up around the sides to create a barrier to ensure the juices from the halibut and lemon stay contained and don't spill into the pan.
Storage and Reheat
Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and place in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat
To reheat, place your leftover halibut in a baking sheet or dish and place it in a 375 degree preheated oven until it's warm throughout. Avoid leaving it in the oven too long as this will cause your fish to become dry.
Cree's Top Tips
- Opt for fresh halibut fillets, lemons, and high-quality za'atar seasoning for the best flavor.
- If you choose frozen halibut, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry thoroughly before drizzling your oil and seasoning before baking.
- Don’t be shy with the za'atar seasoning—it’s the key to flavoring the halibut.
- Drizzle with avocado oil or a good olive oil - this ensures the fish stays moist and adds depth to the dish.
- Fold the foil around the edges of the baking dish to create a barrier to prevent the juices from spilling into the baking sheet. By the way, you do not have to use foil. I use it for easy cleanup.
- Halibut cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
FAQ's
Halibut can be baked at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the baking time for halibut depends on the thickness of the fillets.
Halibut is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and not translucent.. It's important that you DO NOT over bake, so set a timer if necessary.
You can prepare the seasoning and lemon slices ahead of time. But, assemble the dish and bake it just before serving for the best results.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
What Should I Serve with Baked Halibut?
For a complete dinner experience, halibut pairs well:
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Cilantro lime rice
- Saffron Rice
- Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Crispy Oven Roasted Broccolini
📖 Recipe
Best Baked Halibut Recipe with Lemon
Best Baked Halibut Recipe with LemonEquipment
- 1 Baking sheet or baking dish
- 1 Small bowl to combine seasoning
- 1 Paring knife to cut lemon in half
- Paper towels to pat dry and absorb moisture from the fish
- Foil for easy clean-up
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs halibut (fresh)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon za'atar seasoning
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil (grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil works too)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Rinse the halibut under cool water. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere to the surface of the fish.
- In a small bowl, combine the za'atar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet/dish with a non-stick spray. If you prefer, you can line the dish with foil for easier cleanup.
- Place the halibut in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the top with avocado oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of the halibut then press gently to ensure the seasoning sticks. Cut the lemon in half and place it alongside the halibut.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the halibut flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Squeeze the juice of the fresh baked lemon over the top of the halibut.
Notes
- Opt for fresh halibut fillets, lemons, and high-quality za'atar seasoning for the best flavor.
- If you choose frozen halibut, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry thoroughly before drizzling your oil and seasoning before baking.
- Don’t be shy with the za'atar seasoning—it’s the key to flavoring the halibut.
- Drizzle with avocado oil or a good olive oil - this ensures the fish stays moist and adds depth to the dish.
- Fold the foil around the edges of the baking dish to create a barrier to prevent the juices from spilling into the baking sheet. By the way, you do not have to use foil. I use it for easy cleanup.
- Halibut cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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