This Baked Halibut Recipe is an elegant yet effortless choice for a Mother’s Day dinner, offering delicate flavor, flaky texture, and a light, fresh finish that feels special without being complicated. Halibut’s mild taste pairs beautifully with lemon, garlic, and butter, making it ideal for a spring celebration when you want a meal that’s comforting, refined, and stress-free. Whether you’re hosting family or cooking a quiet dinner at home, this oven-baked halibut delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 baked halibut fillets
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Optional Enhancements:
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for a light crust
- 1 tablespoon capers for a Mediterranean twist
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer.
- Prepare the halibut. Pat fillets dry with paper towels to ensure even baking. Arrange them in the prepared dish.
- Season. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter evenly over the fillets. Sprinkle with garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Tip: Thicker fillets may need an extra 2–3 minutes. Avoid overbaking, as halibut is lean and can dry out quickly.
- Finish and serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices, and serve immediately.
Best Practices:
- For extra moisture, loosely cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking.
- Use a thermometer for perfect doneness: halibut is ready at 130–135°F (54–57°C).
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Conclusion
This Baked Halibut Recipe is a beautiful addition to any Mother’s Day dinner, combining simplicity with elegant flavor. Light, nourishing, and effortlessly impressive, it pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh spring salad. Whether you’re celebrating mom or simply enjoying a special meal together, this dish delivers a memorable, wholesome experience that feels just as good to make as it does to serve.
