Crispy Baked Halibut Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Crispy Baked Halibut is about to become your new go-to meal. This dish is the perfect marriage of tender, flaky fish and a golden, flavorful crust that delivers on both crunch and taste. Each bite feels light and satisfying with just the right amount of richness from Parmesan and butter. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or entertaining friends, Crispy Baked Halibut always surprises with its elegance and comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is its short and sweet ingredient list. Every element plays an important role, building layers of flavor and ensuring the halibut cooks up perfectly juicy with a spectacularly crisp topping.

• Halibut Fillet: The star — choose a fresh, thick fillet for best results so the fish stays moist under the crunchy crust.
• Butter (melted): Adds a hint of richness and helps the breadcrumbs adhere, yielding golden edges that are utterly irresistible.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances both the delicate flavor of the halibut and the savory notes in the crust.
• Ground Black Pepper: Balances the buttery elements and gives a gentle kick of heat to every forkful.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These airy Japanese breadcrumbs are key for an ultra-crispy finish — don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want that classic crunch!
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully into the crust, infusing every bite with nutty, salty depth.
• Fresh Thyme (chopped): Offers a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that brightens the entire dish.
• Onion Powder: Brings a warm, savory background note that plays beautifully off the other spices.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth without overpowering the delicate fish — just enough to make things interesting.

How to Make Crispy Baked Halibut

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees F so it’s the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, letting you focus entirely on enjoying your Crispy Baked Halibut.

Step 2: Prep the Halibut

Gently pat the halibut fillet dry with a paper towel. This might seem like a small step, but it helps the butter and seasonings cling to the fish — crucial for locking in flavor and creating that dreamy crisp crust.

Step 3: Season and Butter

Lay the halibut on your lined baking sheet and brush it generously with the melted butter. Next, sprinkle on the kosher salt and ground black pepper. This straightforward seasoning really lets the sweet, delicate flavor of the halibut shine.

Step 4: Mix Up the Crispy Coating

In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. Give it all a good stir until it looks evenly mixed and every crumb is speckled with flavor. This is your ticket to the ultimate crispy baked halibut topping!

Step 5: Crust and Press

Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the buttered halibut. For best results, gently press the coating down with your hands so it sticks well. This ensures you’ll get that ultra-satisfying crunch in every bite — it’s the detail that takes your Crispy Baked Halibut to the next level.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The halibut is ready when it flakes apart easily and registers 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. The crust should be gorgeously golden and aromatic — pure dinner magic!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Halibut

Garnishes

Add a flourish with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley. The bright citrus wakes up all the savory flavors, while the herbs make the dish look as fresh as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Crispy Baked Halibut is endlessly versatile. Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or buttery mashed potatoes. You really can’t go wrong — just choose something that will soak up all those tasty crumbs!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve the halibut on individual plates over a swirl of creamy mashed cauliflower, or slice the fish into strips for gourmet fish tacos with a crunchy slaw. It’s a fun way to keep things exciting and make your guests swoon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Crispy Baked Halibut left (which isn’t guaranteed!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors will deepen and mellow beautifully.

Freezing

Crispy Baked Halibut can be frozen, though the crust won’t be quite as crisp after thawing. For best results, place leftover portions in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

To revive that crunchy topping, reheat the halibut in a hot oven — about 375 degrees F for 7-10 minutes should do the trick. Avoid the microwave, which can make the breadcrumb coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen halibut for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning so the coating will stick and crisp up in the oven.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for the lightest, crunchiest crust. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be less airy and crisp.

Is there a dairy-free option for this dish?

You can substitute the butter with a quality olive oil and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The result is still a deliciously crispy baked halibut!

How do I know when the halibut is cooked through?

The fish is done when it flakes apart easily with a fork and reaches 145 degrees F internally. The crust should be a lovely golden brown — trust your eyes and your thermometer!

Can I use other types of fish?

Yes! This method works wonderfully with other firm white fish like cod or haddock. Just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your fillets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or just want a simple, reliably delicious dinner, do yourself a favor and try Crispy Baked Halibut. It’s surprisingly easy with maximum payoff — golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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