This baked mahi mahi is a delicious simple recipe that guarantees perfectly tender flaky fish every time. A simple buttery garlic herb topping turns these mahi mahi fillets into a light and healthy dinner – ready in under 20 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Baked Mahi Mahi Fish Recipe
This easy-baked mahi mahi fish recipe is a great example of simplicity that meets perfection. The lemon garlic butter adds a citrusy herbaceous flavor without overpowering the white fish. We often make my orange maple salmon, honey mustard salmon, or brown butter cod at least once a week, and now this mahi mahi recipe is set to join our rotation. Here are more reasons why you will love this easy baked mahi mahi recipe:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients. Baking mahi mahi in the oven is hands down the most foolproof method.
- Minimal prep! This flavorful fish can be made from start to finish in under 20 minutes.
- Pairs with so many sides. Mahi Mahi is a delectable and versatile fish known for its firm texture and sweet mild taste. Our favorite sides to pair with this fish include my roasted sweet potatoes, roasted delicata squash, and roasted asparagus with balsamic glaze.
Baked Mahi Mahi Ingredients
You'll need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy baked mahi mahi fish recipe:
- Boneless Mahi Mahi Fish Fillets: I’m using frozen wild-caught mahi mahi fillets that I thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also use fresh mahi mahi when available.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to season the fish to your liking.
- Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the butter not burn when baking at high temperatures while enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.
- Garlic: Minced or fresh garlic is preferred for the most robust flavor, but you can use ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder with the melted butter.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley in the garlic butter mixture adds a lovely pop of green and fresh herbaceous mild flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, vibrant flavor to the garlic lemon butter sauce.
- Seasoning: A simple seasoning combination of salt and black pepper is the perfect mix for this fish. You could also add a ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.
How To Bake Mahi Mahi Fish
- Step 1: Make the garlic herb butter. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Like a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set it aside. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Coat the fish. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of each filet.
- Step 3: Bake the fish. Place the filets on the prepared baking sheet and evenly space them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish, then broil for 1 minute. The fish should be an opaque pinkish-white color, flake easily with a fork, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 4: Serve. Remove the fish from the oven. Spoon any extra butter sauce on top and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices.
Variations
Give this mahi mahi recipe a flavor twist, here are a few ideas:
- Cajun: Add a teaspoon of your favorite cajun seasoning blend to the melted butter.
- Italian: Swap the chopped parsley for fresh basil.
- Mexican: Add one teaspoon of ground cumin and chili powder to the seasoning mix, substitute lime juice for lemon, and cilantro for parsley. Top with mango pico de gallo (mango salasa).
- Brown Butter Capers: Brown the butter in a skillet until toasted. Once the butter turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma, add the garlic with 1 teaspoon of capers. Sauté for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and quickly whisk in the lemon juice. Pour the brown butter mixture into a bowl. Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes, then add the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Coat the fish with the butter mixture and follow the baking instructions.
Expert Tips
- Test for doneness: The best way to ensure that the mahi mahi is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal reading of 145°F.
- Thaw frozen fish the night before: If you are using frozen mahi mahi, thaw the fish in the refrigerator before using it. Pat each piece of fish dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess water.
Storage Instructions
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge for 2 days.
- Reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave until the fish is warmed through.
- Freezing: Once the fish has cooled to room temperature, store the filets in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, so it works best with sides that do not overpower it. Here are some of our favorite sides:
- Roasted Rainbow Potatoes: The fresh herbs and butter complement this dish, making it a great option to pair.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These crispy roasted sweet potato bites add a sweet flare to the mahi mahi.
- Brown Butter Mashed White Sweet Potatoes: The rich caramel flavor elevates and pairs well with the lemon and garlic in this delicious meal.
- Delicata Squash: The buttery, nutty, yet sweet flavor pairs well with the mahi mahi.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Maple Orange Salmon: This easy orange maple glazed salmon recipe makes the perfect healthy yet indulgent weeknight meal.
- Brown Butter Cod with Capers: Brown butter cod with capers is a quick and delicious fish dish that comes together in 15 minutes or less, offering restaurant-quality flavors.
- Gluten-Free Salmon Cakes: Tender, moist, and full of flavor, these gluten-free salmon cakes (salmon patties) are simple to make and packed with healthy ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Lobster Cakes: These tasty baked Lobster Cakes blend the flavors of fresh lobster meat, tangy lemon juice, parsley, and scallions.
I hope you love this baked mahi mahi fish recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Recipe
Easy Baked Mahi Mahi Fish Recipe With Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (4-6)ounces
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon (7g) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the garlic herb butter. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Like a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set it aside. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the fish. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture then spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of each filet.
- Bake the fish. Place the filets on the prepared baking sheet and evenly space them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish, then broil for 1 minute. The fish should be an opaque pinkish-white color, flake easily with a fork, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve. Remove the fish from the oven. Spoon any extra butter sauce on top and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices.
Notes
- Test for doneness: The best way to ensure that the mahi mahi is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal reading of 145°F.
- Thaw frozen fish the night before: If you are using frozen mahi mahi, thaw the fish in the refrigerator before using it. Pat each piece of fish dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess water.
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