The Perfect Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Mahi mahi reimagines ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences with its tender, succulent profile.

White-fleshed and delicate, this ocean treasure carries a reputation for mild, almost buttery notes that dance across your palate.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate its versatility and lean protein content that supports healthy eating habits.

Simple seasonings unlock remarkable depths of flavor in this straightforward preparation method.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike find baked mahi mahi remarkably forgiving and quick to prepare.

The fish absorbs marinades and herbs with remarkable ease, creating personalized taste experiences.

Quick cooking techniques ensure you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without complex kitchen skills.

Baked Mahi Mahi: Light, Flaky, and Flavorful

• Savor Quick Seafood Elegance: This Mahi Mahi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks seeking gourmet results without complex techniques.
• Burst with Flavor Harmony: The blend of paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes creates a robust spice profile that elevates the mild Mahi Mahi, delivering a multi-layered taste experience that tingles every taste bud.
• Nutrition Powerhouse Protein: Packed with an impressive 42g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health and provides a lean, satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized without excessive calories or unhealthy fats.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Whether you're hosting a quick family dinner or wanting a sophisticated yet effortless meal, this Mahi Mahi recipe adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while maintaining consistent deliciousness and minimal preparation time.

Delicious Pairings for Baked Mahi Mahi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate fish flavor by serving a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the butter and complements the herb-seasoned mahi mahi.
• Create a Zesty Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a bright, refreshing mixed green salad with orange segments, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette that echoes the fish's lemon undertones.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with similar herbs used in the fish recipe (oregano, thyme) to create a harmonious and nutritious accompaniment that mirrors the mahi mahi's seasoning profile.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Grill thin asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to provide a crisp, green vegetable that balances the rich, buttery fish and adds elegant texture to the plate.

Fun Variations on Baked Mahi Mahi

• Mediterranean Style: Replace butter with olive oil and add chopped kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese before baking. Sprinkle with fresh basil after cooking for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Coconut Crusted: Dredge Mahi Mahi fillets in shredded coconut mixed with panko breadcrumbs before baking. Serve with a tangy mango salsa for a tropical touch that enhances the fish's delicate texture.
• Herb Infused: Create a fresh herb crust using chopped dill, chives, and parsley mixed with lemon zest. Coat the fillets completely before baking, creating a fragrant and vibrant herb coating that elevates the mild fish flavor.
• Cajun Spiced: Swap the original spice blend with a robust Cajun seasoning mix. Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for extra heat. Serve with a cool remoulade sauce to balance the spicy kick.

Key Ingredients for the Best Baked Mahi Mahi

• Mahi Mahi Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored white fish with firm texture and great for baking.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of aromatic seasonings that add depth, warmth, and classic Mediterranean flavor to the fish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, colorful garnish and subtle green flavor.

• Lemon Slices, Melted Butter: Provides moisture, richness, and tangy citrus notes that complement the fishs delicate taste.

How to Bake Mahi Mahi to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Flavorful Base

Arrange fresh lemon slices evenly across the prepared baking sheet to infuse the fish with citrusy goodness.

Step 3: Position the Mahi Mahi

Gently place Mahi Mahi fillets on top of the lemon slices, ensuring they are centered and flat.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Richness

Brush each fillet generously with melted butter to help create a golden, succulent exterior.

Step 5: Season with Aromatic Spices

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cook the fish in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, creating a tender and flaky texture.

Step 7: Broil for a Golden Finish

Switch the oven to broil on high and cook for 1 ½ minutes until the top turns a beautiful light brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the fish and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips for Flavorful and Moist Baked Mahi Mahi

• Select Fresh Fish: Choose high-quality, firm Mahi Mahi fillets without strong fishy odors for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter Brilliance: Melt butter completely and brush evenly to ensure each fillet gets a golden, delicious coating that prevents drying.
• Spice Precision: Distribute seasonings uniformly across the fish to create a balanced, flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste.
• Timing is Key: Watch carefully during broiling to prevent overcooking; the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Lemon Magic: Use fresh lemon slices underneath the fillets to infuse subtle citrus notes and keep the fish moist during baking.

How to Keep Leftover Baked Mahi Mahi Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Mahi Mahi in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Properly sealed fish will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking the internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure food safety. Drizzle a little extra melted butter before reheating to prevent dryness.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 275°F, place fish in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the fish's moisture and prevents overcooking, preserving the delicate texture of the Mahi Mahi.

Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mahi Mahi from Hawaiian waters brings ocean-fresh flavor to dinner tables. Mediterranean herbs and lemon create a light, zesty profile that lets you savor delicate fish with simple, elegant preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Mahi Mahi fillets

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and carefully line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Arrange thin lemon slices evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the Mahi Mahi fillets.
3. Gently place the Mahi Mahi fillets directly on top of the lemon slices, ensuring each piece is positioned neatly.
4. Using a pastry brush, coat the fish fillets thoroughly with melted butter, which will help create a rich, golden exterior.
5. Create a robust seasoning blend by sprinkling a balanced mixture of paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the fish.
6. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and absorb the aromatic seasonings.
7. Switch the oven to high broil and cook for an additional 1 ½ minutes, watching carefully to achieve a light golden-brown color on the fish’s surface.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
9. Serve the Mahi Mahi hot, directly from the baking sheet, to preserve its delicate texture and temperature.

Notes

• Leftovers stay fresh when sealed in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Pair this delicate fish with roasted vegetables or a crisp summer salad for a complete meal.
• Choose fresh, firm Mahi Mahi fillets without discoloration or strong fishy odors for best results.
• Wild-caught Mahi Mahi provides richer flavor and more sustainable seafood compared to farm-raised options.
• Optional flavor boosters include adding capers, lemon zest, or a drizzle of white wine before baking.
• Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator overnight to maintain optimal texture and prevent bacterial growth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 90mg