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Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut

Dom Lorenzo
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This Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the best in halibut. The rich butter and garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the bright tang of lemon, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly. With a quick cook time and minimal prep, it's a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut garnished with green onion and lemon slices, served on a white plate.
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Preparation and Cooking Overview

Start by patting the fillets dry and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Sear the fish in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and flaky, then remove from the pan. In the same skillet, make a quick sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding lemon juice, and simmering briefly before spooning it over the fish.

Chef's note

 For extra richness, finish the sauce with a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Want a little extra flavor? Add fresh thyme or dill. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for This Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut

  • 4 halibut fillets, about 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh spring onion, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon slices for serving

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Butter: Use avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Fresh spring onion: Try dill, thyme, or parsley instead of spring onion for a different herbal note.

Cooking Tools Required

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Zester or grater
  • Tongs

Tool Substitute Options

  • Cast iron skillet: Use a regular non-stick pan if you don't have a cast iron skillet.
  • Tongs: A spatula works fine for flipping the fish if you don't have tongs.

How to Make Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Methods

  • Pan-searing

Preparation Steps

  1. Pat the halibut dry with a paper towel.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. (Lemon zest can turn bitter when cooked, so you can skip it and use lemon juice instead.)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the halibut fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flakes with a fork. Avoid moving the fish too much to get a perfect sear.
  3. Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
  5. Add lemon juice, let it simmer for 30 seconds, then spoon the sauce over the fish.
  6. Serve with chopped spring onion and lemon slices.

Chef's pro tip

Avoid overcooking the halibut by keeping a close eye on the fillets—once they turn opaque and flake easily with a fork, they’re done. Halibut can dry out quickly, so a hot pan and just a few minutes per side is all you need for a perfectly tender result. Letting the fish rest for a minute or two before adding the sauce also helps retain its moisture. Baste the fish with the butter-garlic sauce in the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut

This dish pairs well with low-carb sides, such as:

  • Roasted Asparagus: It complements the flaky halibut with a crisp-tender texture and soaks up the lemony butter sauce beautifully.
  • Steamed Broccoli: It adds a mild, earthy flavor and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
  • Cauliflower Rice: It provides a light, neutral base that absorbs the garlic-lemon flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
  • Zucchini Noodles: They bring a fresh, slightly crunchy element that pairs well with the tender halibut and zesty sauce.
  • Green Salad with Olive Oil and Lemon Dressing: It adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the warm, buttery fish. Explore our amazing collection of salad recipes and pick your favorite.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Reduce the butter and use extra olive oil for a lighter version.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Buy pre-minced garlic to skip chopping.
  • Use frozen halibut fillets and thaw them in the fridge overnight.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

  • Mince garlic and zest lemon up to 1 day ahead and store in airtight containers.
  • Season the halibut in advance and keep it in the fridge for a quick meal.
  • Chop spring onion and store it in the fridge to save time when serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Best Reheating Instructions

  • Skillet: Warm on low heat with a little butter or olive oil.
  • Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Note: Avoid microwaving to prevent the fish from drying out.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

This Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. The buttery garlic sauce and zesty lemon take the halibut to the next level, making it an excellent option for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. Give it a try and enjoy a fresh, light, and satisfying dish!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Just oil the grill grates and cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side.

Cod, sea bass, or tilapia are great substitutes.

The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

Yes, halibut is keto-friendly. It is a zero-carb, high-protein fish, making it a great option for a ketogenic diet. Its mild flavor and firm texture work well in a variety of low-carb recipes.

The best oil for cooking halibut is one with a high smoke point and healthy fats, such as:

  • Avocado oil – High smoke point (520°F) and neutral taste
  • Ghee – Adds a buttery flavor and works well for pan-searing
  • Extra virgin olive oil – Great for medium-heat cooking but not ideal for high-heat searing

Halibut pairs well with light, flavorful sauces such as:

  • Garlic butter sauce – A mix of butter, garlic, and lemon for richness.
  • Lemon herb sauce – Fresh lemon juice with parsley, dill, or thyme.
  • Creamy keto Alfredo sauce – If you prefer a richer option.
  • Caper and white wine sauce – Adds a tangy, savory flavor.

Yes, halibut is naturally low in carbs—it has 0g of carbohydrates per serving, making it perfect for keto and other low-carb diets.

Most fish are keto-friendly, but the best options include:

  • Fatty fish – Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout (high in omega-3s)
  • Lean fish – Halibut, cod, tilapia, and sea bass (low in fat but still carb-free)
  • Shellfish – Shrimp, scallops, and crab (low in carbs, high in protein)

Yes, you can eat fish daily on keto, as it is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. However, it's best to vary your fish intake to avoid excessive mercury exposure, especially with larger fish like tuna or swordfish. Opt for wild-caught and low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, and halibut.

📖 Recipe

Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut garnished with green onion and lemon slices, served on a white plate.

Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut

This fish is buttery, zesty, and perfectly pan-seared—ideal for a quick, flavorful dinner. With a rich garlic-lemon sauce and minimal carbs, it’s a fresh and satisfying way to enjoy seafood while sticking to your keto goals.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 608kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 halibut fillets about 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh spring onion chopped (optional)
  • Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat the halibut dry with a paper towel.
  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. (Lemon zest can turn bitter when cooked, so you can skip it and use lemon juice instead.)

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the halibut fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flakes with a fork. Avoid moving the fish too much to get a perfect sear.
  • Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
  • Add lemon juice, let it simmer for 30 seconds, then spoon the sauce over the fish.
  • Serve with chopped spring onion and lemon slices.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Garlic Lemon Halibut
Amount Per Serving
Calories 608 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 212mg71%
Sodium 369mg16%
Potassium 1583mg45%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 64g128%
Vitamin A 765IU15%
Vitamin C 30mg36%
Calcium 54mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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