If you’re on the hunt for a light yet satisfying dinner, you can’t go wrong with Baked Mahi Mahi. This fish dish is my go-to when I’m in a rush but want something that feels a bit special. It’s easy to prepare, cooks in no time, and has a delightful tang thanks to the lemon slices. And if you’re like me, often trying to convince your kids that fish isn’t as scary as it seems, this recipe can do wonders. Don’t forget to check out my easy pizza recipe here for another fun family meal idea!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s be honest, finding a meal that everyone loves can be a bit hit or miss. This Baked Mahi Mahi is not only quick to prepare but also packs a punch with its simple seasoning. The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t involve any fancy tricks or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this dish is approachable and tasty—perfect for a busy weeknight or even a last-minute dinner with friends. Plus, it’s healthy, loaded with protein, and low in calories!
Ingredients
- 2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 pound Mahi Mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 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
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Step-by-step instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Trust me, the sooner you do this, the less chance of the dreaded “is the oven even on?” moment.
2. Prep the baking sheet.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil—makes cleanup super easy.
Arrange lemon slices on the sheet so your fish can rest right on top.
Cooking the Mahi Mahi
1. Place the fish.
Lay the Mahi Mahi fillets over the lemon slices. Brush both sides with melted butter.
2. Season generously.
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Thyme
- Red pepper flakes
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Sprinkle this mix all over the fish—make sure both sides are covered.
3. Bake and broil.
Bake the fish for about 10 minutes, then switch to broil on high for 1 ½ minutes.
This gives it a beautiful golden finish.
4. Final touch.
Top with chopped parsley once it’s out of the oven, and serve right away.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Zesty kick: Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes.
- Alternative herbs: Try basil or dill instead of oregano if that’s what you’ve got.
- Butter swap: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, silky flavor.
Storage & reheating
Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat your Mahi Mahi in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works too, but do keep an eye as fish can dry out quickly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen Mahi Mahi for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
2. What can I serve with baked Mahi Mahi?
A simple green salad or some roasted potatoes make excellent sides.
3. How do I know when the fish is done?
When it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork, you’re good to go!
4. Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Just grill each side for about 4-5 minutes depending on thickness.
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Print
Baked Mahi Mahi
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Fat
Description
A light yet satisfying Baked Mahi Mahi that’s quick to prepare and healthy.
Ingredients
- 2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 pound Mahi Mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Trust me, the sooner you do this, the less chance of the dreaded “is the oven even on?” moment.
Prep the baking sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. This way, cleaning up is a breeze. Arrange lemon slices on the sheet so your fish can rest on top.
Place the fish: Lay the Mahi Mahi fillets over the lemon slices. Brush both sides with melted butter.
Season generously: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, thyme, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning all over the fish, covering both sides.
Baking and broiling: Let the fish bake for about 10 minutes, then switch to broil on high for an additional 1 ½ minutes. This gives the fish a lovely golden finish.
Final touch: Top with parsley once out of the oven and serve right away.
Notes
Zesty kick: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes if you’re on the spicy side of life.
Alternative herbs: Swap out oregano for basil or dill if you’ve got them on hand.
Butter swap: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, silky taste.
Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat your Mahi Mahi in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwaving works too, but do keep an eye as fish can dry out quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg