This delicious Grilled Halibut Recipe with Basil Vinaigrette is one of my long-time favorite ways to cook fish on the grill. And if you love grilling fish but halibut is not in the budget, check the list in this post for other fish you could use for the recipe.

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This Grilled Halibut Recipe (with Basil Vinaigrette) is perfect to make when it’s grilling season and you want to cook fish on the grill! Of course for many summers now I’ve been infatuated with Basil Vinaigrette, which I love drizzled over tomatoes or served over vegetables. This summery dressing with chopped fresh basil is amazing served with grilled fish or chicken! 

And this favorite grilled fish recipe that I’m reminding you about today is such a flavor-filled combination! Seriously, it’s worth making basil vinaigrette just so you can serve it over this tasty grilled fish. I first made this recipe before halibut had gotten so expensive, so see suggestions for another type of firm fish to use if halibut isn’t in the budget. And whatever type of fish you use, I hope you try the recipe soon!

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

What other fish can you use for this recipe?

Halibut is so expensive these days that you might need to use another type of fish, unless you’re splurging for a special occasion. The recipe would be great with any firm meaty fish such Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Tuna, Cod, Shark, Snapper, and of course Salmon.

How can you keep Grilled Halibut from sticking on the grill?

• Be sure your grill grates are completely clean.
• Spray the grill grates well with a non-stick spray like Pam for Grilling (affiliate link) or rub with a paper towel dipped in a high smoke-point oil if you don’t have a non-stick grilling spray.
• Rub both sides of the fish well with olive oil (or another type of oil of your choice) before you season the fish.
• Preheat the grill to high, then immediately turn to medium-high when you put on the fish.
• Let fish cook 3 minutes without touching it, then lift the edge of a piece to see if you have nice grill marks and if the fish is ready to rotate.
• Rotate to cook 2-3 minutes going the other angle on the grill grates to make grill marks.
• Then carefully turn, using a Fish Spatula (affiliate link) will make that easier. Cook 3-4 minutes on second side, or until fish is firm.

Can you cook Grilled Halibut without an outdoor grill?

If you don’t have an outdoor grill (or it’s not grilling weather), halibut or other grilled fish this can be cooked on a stove-top grill pan with ridges (affiliate link) or a George Foreman Grill (affiliate link) with good results. Remember that the George Foreman Grill cooks both sides at once so grilling time will be a lot shorter!

How long will Basil Vinaigrette keep in the Fridge?

The Basil Vinaigrette dressing that’s so good on the Grilled Halibut will keep in the refrigerator for a week or a little longer.

How low in carbs is the Grilled Halibut Recipe?

This amazing recipe for cooking fish on the grill has only 1 net carb per serving with 95 grams of protein!

How to make the Grilled Halibut Recipe with Basil Vinaigrette:

(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

1. Make the Basil Vinaigrette. (Or simply blend together 1 part chopped basil with 3 parts low-sugar vinaigrette dressing. Use any low-sugar vinaigrette if you don’t find the brands I mention.)
2. Blot away excess moisture on the fish and let it come to room temperature.
3. Spray clean grill grates with non-stick grill spray like Pam for Grilling (affiliate link) or rub with paper towel soaked with high smoke point oil.
4. Heat the grill to high.
5. Rub both sides of fish with olive oil and Szeged Fish Rub (affiliate link) or any fish rub you prefer.
6. When fish is room temperature, lay top-side down at an angle to the grill grates and immediately turn the temperature to medium-high. 
7. Cook about 3 minutes in this position without moving the fish, then check grill marks and make sure fish lifts easily.
8. Then rotate fish at the opposite angle and cook about 2-3 minutes more.
9. Carefully turn the fish over, with a Fish Spatula (affiliate link) if you have one, and cook 2-3 minutes on the other side.
10. Total cooking time will be 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish and temperature of the grill.
11. Serve the Grilled Halibut hot, with basil vinaigrette spooned over.

Make it a Low-Carb Meal:

Grilled Halibut with Basil Vinaigrette would taste amazing with any of these low-carb side dishes:

More Recipes for Fish on the Grill:

You can use the category for Grilling Recipes to see lots more ideas for fish cooked on the grill.

Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
Grilled Halibut served with Basil Vinaigrette is a great main course for low-carb and Keto diets, and for any phase of the original South Beach Diet.

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Grilling Recipes to find more ideas for grilling. Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.

Historical Notes for this Recipe:
This favorite grilled halibut recipe was first posted in 2006, in the very early days of my blog! I’ve been making it ever since, and in 2013 the post was updated with better photos. It was last updated with more information in 2026.

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Firm, flaky halibut topped with a garlicky Parmesan and herb crust, cooked right on a bed of silky leeks and fennel — this baked halibut recipe is the kind of elegant, fuss-free dinner that makes any weeknight feel like a proper occasion.

Jump to: Overview | Ingredients | How To Make | Watch The Video | Recipe Tips |  Serving Suggestions | Full Recipe Card | More Fish Recipes

At A Glance

• Ready In: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Diet: Gluten-free, Nut-free, High-Protein, Low-Carb
• Nutrition Highlights: High in lean protein and omega-3s; naturally low in carbs
• Main Ingredients: Halibut fillets, butter, parmesan, garlic, leeks, fennel, lemon, parsley
• Flavor Profile: Savory, garlicky, bright and lemony, with a golden herby crust and a subtle sweetness from the baked leeks and fennel
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Best eaten fresh; leftovers keep for up to 2 days in the fridge
• Best Served With: Roasted or mashed potatoes, rice, couscous, quinoa, spaghetti, or a simple green salad

This Parmesan-crusted baked halibut has become one of my absolute favorite ways to cook white fish — and once you try it, I think you’ll understand why. The crust is thick, garlicky, and packed with Parmesan, parsley, paprika, and lemon, and it bakes into this gorgeous golden layer that’s crispy at the edges and deeply savory all the way through.

Underneath the fish, the leeks and fennel soften into something almost silky, with a mild sweetness that plays beautifully against the bold crust. It’s the kind of thing that looks like you’ve put in a lot of effort, but it genuinely comes together in under 35 minutes.

Halibut is a dream to work with — it’s firm enough to hold the crust well, and it stays wonderfully moist when you don’t overcook it (more on that below). Whether you’re making this for a dinner party or just a Tuesday night, I promise it punches well above its weight.

Yes, you can use other white fish fillets!

You might also like these recipes: Mediterranean baked fish with bean puree, baked rainbow trout with garlic butter, easy baked salmon fillets, sheet pan baked crusted cod fillets. Find more halibut recipes here.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for this Parmesan crusted baked halibut recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Leek and fennel base:

• Leeks — the white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced. Leeks mellow beautifully in the oven and add a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bold Parmesan crust. You can substitute thinly sliced onion if you can’t find leeks, though the flavor will be a little sharper.
• Fennel bulb — thinly sliced. It softens and sweetens as it bakes, with just a hint of anise that works really well alongside fish. If you’re not a fan of fennel, thinly sliced celery or even zucchini can work here.
• Olive oil and butter — to coat and help the vegetables soften without drying out. Sometimes I only use olive oil, but I do love the richness of butter.
• Salt and pepper — to season the base.

Halibut and Parmesan crust:

• Halibut fillets — firm, mild, and lean, halibut is ideal for this recipe because it holds the crust beautifully and bakes evenly. Each fillet is around 5–6 oz / 150–170 grams. Other white fish like cod, barramundi, snapper, or mahi mahi will also work well here.
• Parmesan — freshly shaved or grated is best for the most cohesive, golden crust. Pre-grated from a packet works but gives a slightly different (a little grainier) texture.
• Melted butter — helps bind the crust and gives it that gorgeous golden color.
• Fresh lemon juice — brightens everything up. About one lemon is all you need.
• Garlic — three cloves, minced. The garlic is what makes this crust so irresistible.
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley — adds freshness and a little herbaceous green to the crust. Dried parsley will do in a pinch, use about 1 teaspoon.
• Paprika — sweet or smoked both work, but go smoked if you have both — it adds such a lovely depth to the crust.
• Onion powder — rounds out the flavor of the crust without overpowering it.
• Salt and pepper — to season the crust mixture.

How To Make Baked Halibut With Parmesan Crust

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for how to bake halibut with Parmesan crust.

• Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
• Trim and thinly slice the leeks and fennel. Spread them out across the base of a large baking tray or dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss lightly to coat.
• Pat your halibut fillets dry with paper towel — this step really matters for getting the crust to stick properly. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, then lay the fillets on top of the leek and fennel base.
• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and shaved parmesan until you have a thick, paste-like mixture. If it seems too thick to spread, add a tiny splash of water to loosen it slightly.
• Press the parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Don’t be shy — you want a good thick layer. Scatter any leftover crust mixture over the vegetables.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork at the thickest point. Start checking at 12 minutes — halibut can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
• Optional but highly recommended: switch to grill/broil for the last 1–2 minutes to get the parmesan crust truly golden and bubbling. Watch it carefully, it goes fast!
• Once the fish is out of the oven, if you’d like the leeks and fennel a little softer, remove the fish to a plate and pop the vegetables back in for another 5 minutes. Totally up to you.
• Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Watch The Video

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip patting the fish dry. It makes a real difference — dry fillets let the crust adhere better, and you’ll get a cleaner bake.
• Start checking at 12 minutes. Halibut is a lean fish and dries out quickly if overcooked. It’s done when the flesh is opaque and just starting to flake. A little translucency at the very thickest point is fine — carryover heat will finish it.
• The broiler step is optional but really worth it. That extra minute or two under the grill takes the crust from golden to genuinely crispy and bubbling — a completely different texture, and so good.
• Want the vegetables more caramelized? Remove the fish when it’s done, cover it loosely with foil, and return the leeks and fennel to the oven for 5–10 minutes. They’ll soften further and pick up some lovely golden edges.
• Fish swaps: This crust works beautifully on cod, barramundi, snapper, mahi mahi, or even salmon. Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness — thinner fillets will only need 10–12 minutes.
• Make it ahead: The Parmesan crust mixture can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading, so it’s easy to press onto the fish.
• Storage: Leftovers keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature, or enjoy cold in a salad or sandwich the next day. This isn’t a dish that freezes well.

Serving Suggestions

This baked halibut is substantial enough to be the star of the plate, and the leek and fennel base counts as your vegetables — so really, you just need something to round things out. Roasted potatoes are my favorite accompaniment here, whether that’s simply roasted, crushed with olive oil, or creamy mashed.

Rice, couscous, or quinoa are all great if you want something lighter or more grain-based. Spaghetti tossed in a little olive oil and garlic works brilliantly too — the crust has so much flavor it almost acts like a sauce.

For something fresh and green on the side, try a simple rocket and cucumber salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or a ripe tomato salad with a drizzle of good balsamic. The brightness cuts through the richness of the crust beautifully.

If you’ve tried this parmesan crusted baked halibut or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

More Fish Recipes

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If you’re looking for fresh, easy, and seriously delicious halibut recipes, you’re in the right place. Whether you want flaky baked halibut, smoky grilled fillets, crispy air fryer dinners, or fish tacos piled high with toppings, this roundup has plenty of dinner ideas worth bookmarking.

Jump to: Overview | Baked | Grilled | Pan-Seared & Skillet | Air Fryer | Tacos, Bowls & More Dinner Ideas

Halibut is the kind of fish that quietly makes everyone at the table happy. It’s mild, buttery, flaky, and sturdy enough to handle just about any cooking method you throw at it. Bake it with lemon and garlic, grill it with smoky spices, pan-sear it until golden, or tuck it into tacos with crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime — it somehow works every single time.

That’s why people love cooking with it. It feels restaurant-worthy without requiring restaurant-level effort. Even better, halibut cooks quickly, pairs beautifully with bold flavors, and fits everything from healthy weeknight dinners to summer cookouts and cozy comfort meals.

In this roundup, you will find:

• Halibut tacos, bowls, chowders, and lighter dinner ideas
• Baked halibut recipes with buttery sauces and crispy toppings
• Grilled halibut dishes perfect for summer dinners
• Pan-seared halibut with golden crusts
• Air fryer halibut recipes that are fast and foolproof

Baked Halibut Recipes

Baked halibut recipes are perfect when you want an easy dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. From buttery lemon garlic fillets to crispy crusted halibut, these oven-baked dinners are simple enough for weeknights but still feel special.

Grilled Halibut Recipes

These grilled halibut recipes are made for warm-weather dinners and backyard cookouts. Halibut holds up beautifully on the grill, soaking up smoky flavors while staying flaky and tender inside.

Pan-Seared & Skillet Halibut Recipes

If you love crispy edges and golden crusts, these pan-seared halibut recipes deliver. A hot skillet, a little butter, and a few bold flavors go a long way here. Fast dinner, big payoff.

Air Fryer Halibut Recipes

Air fryer halibut recipes are quick, easy, and surprisingly crispy. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something lighter that still tastes like proper comfort food.

Halibut Tacos, Bowls & More Dinner Ideas

These halibut dinner ideas go beyond the usual fillet situation. Think tacos, rice bowls, chowders, curries, sandwiches, and pasta dishes packed with fresh flavors and plenty of personality.

Save These Best Halibut Recipes To Pinterest

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