If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant seafood dinner, this Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut is the perfect recipe. Featuring flaky halibut fillets coated in a crispy Parmesan and Panko crust, this baked fish recipe delivers rich garlic butter flavor with every bite. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights while impressive enough for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden Parmesan and Panko topping
- Tender, flaky halibut with rich garlic butter flavor
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests
- Family-friendly with simple pantry ingredients
- Naturally high in protein and easy to pair with your favorite sides
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl.
- Dip each halibut fillet into the melted butter, coating both sides.
- Press each fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle any remaining butter over the fish.
- Bake the Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice, extra Parmesan cheese, and flaky sea salt before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the halibut dry before coating for the crispiest crust.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid overcooking, as halibut can dry out quickly.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute cod, haddock, or mahi-mahi if halibut isn’t available.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Nut-Free
Notes
- Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust the salt accordingly.
- Finish with lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Pair with steamed asparagus, broccoli, roasted potatoes, or garlic green beans.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen halibut?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading.
What can I substitute for halibut?
Cod, haddock, mahi-mahi, pollock, or sea bass all work well.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture in advance, but bread the fish just before baking for maximum crispiness.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months. Wrap individually before freezing.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 4–6 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Similar Recipes
Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut
Ingredients
- 4 halibut fillets
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chili flakes to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl.
- Dip each halibut fillet into the melted butter, coating both sides.
- Press each fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle any remaining butter over the fish.
- Bake the Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice, extra Parmesan cheese, and flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust the salt accordingly.
- Finish with lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Pair with steamed asparagus, broccoli, roasted potatoes, or garlic green beans.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut is everything you want in an easy seafood dinner—crispy, buttery, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its golden Parmesan crust and tender flaky fish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for both busy weeknights and special family meals.