Garlic-Butter Baked Halibut with Fresh Herbs
Experience the delightful, melt-in-your-mouth taste of Garlic-Butter Baked Halibut with Fresh Herbs. In just 10 minutes, prepare tender halibut fillets, enhanced by a savory garlic-butter sauce that features zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasions and pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad. Impress your family and friends with this simple, flavorful recipe that makes healthy eating delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
halibut fillets
1 1/2 lbs (none)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (none)
finely chopped herbs
1 tablespoon (select from dill, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, chervil, or rosemary)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. Brush the mixture generously over the halibut fillets to coat them evenly.
2
Place the seasoned halibut fillets in a single layer in an ovenproof baking dish. You can cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, if desired, to enhance the flavor.
3
In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and finely chopped herbs. Set this flavorful garlic-butter sauce aside, or refrigerate if prepared in advance.
5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Allow the halibut to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven heats up.
6
Melt the garlic-butter sauce gently in the saucepan again if it has cooled. Pour the garlic-butter sauce evenly over the halibut fillets.
7
Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, basting once with additional sauce halfway through cooking.
8
The halibut is ready when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork (or when an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F/74°C).
9
Serve the halibut hot, drizzling the remaining garlic-butter sauce over each portion for a burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of halibut fillets.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the halibut?
The oven should be preheated to 400 F (200 C).
How long does it take to bake the halibut?
The halibut takes approximately 10 minutes to bake in the preheated oven.
What internal temperature should the halibut reach?
The halibut should reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
Can I prepare the seasoned halibut in advance?
Yes, you can season the halibut and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
This recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
What seasoning is applied to the fish first?
The fish is first brushed with a mixture of olive oil and Old Bay seasoning.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic should be saut ed for about 5 minutes over low heat until fragrant.
What herbs can I use for this halibut recipe?
You can use a tablespoon of finely chopped dill, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, chervil, or rosemary.
Is lemon juice included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
Should I let the fish sit at room temperature before baking?
Yes, let the halibut sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Do I need to baste the fish while it bakes?
Yes, you should baste the fish once with additional sauce halfway through the 10-minute cooking time.
How can I tell if the halibut is cooked without a thermometer?
The halibut is ready when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
What are some suggested side dishes for this halibut?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much Old Bay seasoning should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning mixed with the olive oil.
Can I make the garlic-butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it, then gently melt it before use.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with a 10-minute cook time, it is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
Use an ovenproof baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer.
When do I add the herbs and lemon to the sauce?
Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and herbs after removing the melted butter and garlic from the heat.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, the garlic should be saut ed until fragrant but not burned.
How much of the herb mixture is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped herbs.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being saut ed.
Do I pour the sauce over the fish before or after baking?
The garlic-butter sauce is poured evenly over the halibut fillets before they go into the oven.
What do I do with the remaining sauce?
Drizzle any remaining garlic-butter sauce over each portion when serving.
Is the lemon zest grated or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
Can I use any herb I want?
The recipe suggests selecting from dill, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, chervil, or rosemary for the best flavor.