Succulent Mahi Mahi Recipe

Quick ‘n Crispy Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe That Wows Every Time

Seafood lovers rejoice as this baked mahi mahi recipe delivers a burst of tropical flavors that dance on your palate.

Succulent mahi mahi fillets glazed with zesty seasonings promise a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

The tender white fish absorbs marinades like a culinary canvas, creating a dish that’s both elegant and effortless.

Light, flaky, and packed with oceanic goodness, these mahi mahi fillets will transport you to a beachside paradise with every bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering seafood adventure and let your taste buds set sail.

Best Way to Save Leftover Baked Mahi Mahi

  • Fresh Fish Fridge Strategy: Keep raw Mahi Mahi in the coldest part of your refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic, and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Leftover Magic: Store cooled baked fish in an airtight container, refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed bag. Frozen Mahi Mahi remains delicious for 2-3 months when properly packaged.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Consider cooking extra fillets during initial preparation. These pre-cooked fish portions make fantastic additions to salads, tacos, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Making Baked Mahi Mahi

For Fish Base:
  • Mahi Mahi Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught fish with firm white meat that holds its shape during baking, delivering a delicate mild flavor perfect for seafood lovers.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Sea Salt, Dried Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder, Ground Black Pepper: Aromatic spice blend that creates a robust, zesty seasoning mix adding depth and warmth to the fish, ensuring each bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired taste.
For Garnish and Brightness:
  • Lemons, Parsley: Citrusy lemon slices provide tangy freshness and help tenderize the fish, while bright green parsley adds a crisp herbal note and beautiful color contrast to the golden-baked dish.

Gear Up for Baked Mahi Mahi Success

  • Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy fish placement.
  • Aluminum foil: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Pastry brush: Perfect for evenly spreading melted butter on fish fillets.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion out spices for balanced seasoning.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for slicing lemons and chopping fresh parsley.
  • Oven: Essential for baking and broiling the Mahi Mahi.

Baked Mahi Mahi Cooking Method Explained

  • Ocean Fresh Preparation

Select high-quality Mahi Mahi fillets with vibrant color and clean appearance from a trusted seafood market.

  • Flavor Foundations

Create a delightful seasoning blend combining warm spices that complement the delicate fish’s natural taste.

  • Baking Canvas

Arrange lemon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet to provide a fragrant base for the fish and prevent sticking.

  • Seasoning Magic

Gently coat the fillets with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture across the surface for maximum flavor infusion.

  • Cooking Transformation

Bake in a preheated oven until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily, finishing with a quick broil to achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

  • Serving Finale

Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley, presenting a restaurant-quality dish that celebrates the ocean’s bounty.

Ideas for Better Baked Mahi Mahi Results

  • Use fresh or thawed Mahi Mahi fillets for best texture, ensuring they are patted dry before seasoning to help spices stick better.
  • Marinate fish in citrus juice like lime or lemon for 15-20 minutes before baking to enhance tenderness and add zesty undertones.
  • Replace Mahi Mahi with cod, halibut, or tilapia while maintaining similar cooking times and seasoning techniques for variety.
  • Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed macadamia nuts over the fillets before baking to create a delightful crunchy exterior that complements the delicate fish.
  • Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the light, flaky fish and bring out its subtle marine flavors.

Serving Baked Mahi Mahi on the Table

  • Island Beach Picnic Platter: Lay out the baked Mahi Mahi on a rustic wooden board surrounded by grilled pineapple slices, coconut rice, and fresh cilantro for a tropical vacation-inspired presentation.
  • Zesty Mediterranean Ensemble: Plate the fish alongside a refreshing Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-style complete meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Healthy Protein Power Bowl: Create a nutritious bowl by placing the Mahi Mahi over a bed of quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli, then top with a light lemon-herb sauce for a balanced and filling lunch or dinner option.
  • Elegant Seafood Starter: Serve small portions as an appetizer with crisp white wine, garnish with microgreens, and add a small dollop of herbed aioli to elevate the dish for sophisticated gatherings.
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Succulent Mahi Mahi Recipe

Succulent Mahi Mahi Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Light and zesty Mahi Mahi Bake showcases fresh fish with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and citrus notes. Island-style flavors unite perfectly for quick weeknight dinners that leave you craving another delicious seafood experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) mahi mahi fillets
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsps finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and non-stick surface.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Layer thin lemon slices across the foil, creating an aromatic base that will infuse the Mahi Mahi with citrusy essence.
  3. Seasoning Application: Brush fish fillets generously with melted butter, then dust evenly with a harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Baking Process: Place seasoned fillets atop lemon slices and roast in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through while absorbing the intricate spice profile.
  5. Finishing Touch: Activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, carefully monitoring to achieve a golden-brown exterior without overcooking the delicate fish.
  6. Serving: Immediately garnish with freshly chopped parsley and transfer to serving plates, ensuring the Mahi Mahi is enjoyed at its peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Fish: Select high-quality, firm Mahi Mahi fillets without any discoloration or strong fishy odor to ensure the best taste and texture.
  • Butter Coating Technique: Brush melted butter generously over fillets to create a golden, crispy exterior and lock in moisture during baking.
  • Precise Cooking Time: Monitor baking closely – 10 minutes at 400°F followed by 1½ minutes under broil prevents overcooking and maintains delicate fish texture.
  • Seasoning Balance: Distribute spice blend evenly across fillets for consistent flavor, using a light hand to enhance without overwhelming the fish’s natural taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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