Crispy, Golden, and Baked to Perfection: This Panko-Crusted Halibut Will Change Your Dinner Game
There’s something so satisfying about the crunch of a golden crust giving way to tender, flaky fish underneath. If you’ve ever struggled to make fish exciting or are looking for a fresh way to serve seafood to your family, you’re in the right place. This panko-crusted halibut recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—healthy, crispy, flavor-packed, and ready in under 30 minutes.
As a food writer and passionate home cook, I’ve tested dozens of halibut recipes baked panko crusted, and this one is hands-down my favorite. Whether you're using fresh or frozen halibut, this dish transforms everyday fish into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s actually easy to pull off. In fact, this recipe was born out of a weeknight panic moment when I forgot to thaw meat, and only had frozen halibut and a pantry of odds and ends. The result? One of the best seafood dinners I’ve ever made.
Let’s dive into this crunchy, lemony, absolutely crave-worthy oven-baked halibut—your new favorite in the lineup of food main dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Panko-Crusted Halibut
Ingredients You’ll Need (with Exact Measurements)
Here's everything you need to make this dish at home. It’s all pantry-friendly and straightforward:
Main Ingredients
How to Make Panko-Crusted Halibut (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and lightly spray or oil it.
2. Dry the Fish
Pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels—this step is essential for getting a crispy crust. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!
3. Mix the Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard (or Greek yogurt) and lemon juice. This helps the crumbs stick and adds tang.
4. Season the Panko
In another bowl, combine:
Mix until the panko is evenly coated and golden looking from the oil.
5. Coat the Halibut
Brush each halibut fillet with the mustard/yogurt mixture. Press the seasoned panko crumbs onto each piece, covering the top completely.
6. Bake
Place the fillets crust-side up on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The halibut should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 135–140°F.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch closely!
Amazon Product Recommendations
As someone who’s cooked hundreds of seafood recipes over the years, I’ve found a few key tools that make a huge difference in both ease and results. These are the 3 items I use regularly when making this baked panko halibut:
1. Nordic Ware Nonstick Baking Sheet with Rack
This is my go-to for getting that perfect crisp on all sides. The elevated rack lets hot air circulate around the fish, giving the bottom as much crunch as the top.
Why I love it: It’s durable, nonstick, and makes baked dishes taste like they were fried.
Grab it on Amazon and elevate your oven game today!
2. Kikkoman Japanese-Style Panko Bread Crumbs
All panko is not created equal. This brand delivers the airy, light, shattering crunch you want in this dish. It's always in my pantry!
Why I love it: No artificial flavors or preservatives—and it toasts up beautifully.
Buy it here on Amazon to take your fish to the next level.
3. ThermoPro Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
No more overcooked or underdone fish. This tool gives a fast, accurate read so your halibut is always perfectly cooked.
Why I love it: Easy to use, waterproof, and has saved more dinners than I can count.
Get yours on Amazon and cook with confidence every time.
Tips for Perfect Panko-Crusted Halibut
Can I Use Other Fish?
Yes! If you can’t find halibut, or it’s a little out of budget, this recipe works wonderfully with:
That said, halibut remains my top choice because of its firm, flaky texture that stands up beautifully to the panko crust.
What to Serve With Panko-Crusted Halibut
This recipe is simple but adaptable. Try these easy sides:
Keep it light, crisp, and green to balance the rich crunch of the fish.
Fresh vs. Frozen Halibut: Which Is Best?
Honestly, either will work beautifully. Here’s what I recommend:
As long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry, your homemade fish dish will be a winner.
Why This Is One of the Best Seafood Dinners You’ll Make
As a woman balancing a career and a busy household, I get how hard it can be to cook something satisfying and nutritious at the end of the day. This easy, oven-baked recipe is my secret weapon when I want something elegant yet doable. It’s part of my regular dinner rotation now—especially when guests come over. They always ask for the recipe!
It fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle, too. High protein, low carb, and no need to deep fry—it’s a healthy food main dish that doesn’t taste like you’re sacrificing anything.
Plus, there’s just something special about the sound of that first bite into crispy panko, followed by buttery-soft fish. Pure comfort.
Final Thoughts
So whether you're a seasoned seafood lover or just dipping your toes into fish dishes, this halibut recipe baked panko crusted is a must-try. It's the kind of homemade dinner that feels fancy, without being fussy. And the best part? It’s fast, healthy, and loved by everyone at the table—including picky eaters!
Next time you’re staring at a pack of frozen halibut or strolling through the seafood section, give this recipe a go. I promise it’ll become one of your go-to meals for weeknights or special occasions alike.
And don’t forget—good tools make good food easier. Grab those Amazon picks and set yourself up for crispy halibut success!
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