Name: Easy Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2 lemons, thinly sliced; 1 pound Mahi Mahi fillets; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Baked mahi mahi is one of those dinners that feels special but takes almost no work. This baked mahi mahi recipe sits the fillets on a bed of lemon slices, brushes them with butter and seasons them with smoked paprika, garlic and herbs. In about 22 minutes you have juicy, flaky fish that falls apart on a fork.

Two baked mahi mahi fillets with parsley and lemon slices, flaked with a fork — Baked mahi mahi fillets, juicy and flaky with fresh parsley.

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Prep10 minutes
Cook12 minutes
Total22 minutes
Serves4

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe

There is something comforting about cooking a meal from ingredients you already have. As this baked mahi mahi recipe cooks, the scent of warm lemon slices fills the kitchen, and dinner comes together without a special grocery run.

I keep coming back to this baked mahi mahi recipe because it is quick and satisfying, and it leaves me more time at the table. The buttery, seasoned fish falls apart perfectly on a fork, which is exactly what I want on a busy weeknight.

If you like seafood dinners, you will also love my Orange Dijon Grilled Halibut.

Baked Mahi Mahi with Lemon, Butter and Herbs in 22 Minutes

What Makes This Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe Special

Affordable: A pound of mahi mahi and a couple of lemons make a meal that feels special without breaking the bank.
Lemon base: The lemon slices keep the fish moist and add a bright, zesty flavor.
Fast: The fish bakes in about 12 to 15 minutes, so dinner is ready in 22 minutes.
Simple seasoning: Smoked paprika, garlic powder and herbs boost the mild flavor of the fish.

Estimated Macros & Calories

Here are the approximate numbers for this baked mahi mahi recipe.

(estimated per serving, 1 of 4 fillets, without the lemon slices)

Calories: 190
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 0 g

How to Make Baked Mahi Mahi

This baked mahi mahi recipe shines for its flavor and its simple approach to cooking fish. With a handful of ingredients you likely already have, it manages to be elegant and easygoing at the same time.

Close-up of a seasoned baked mahi mahi fillet topped with fresh parsley on lemon slices — Seasoned baked mahi mahi on a bed of lemon slices.

Ingredient Notes

Mahi mahi: This firm, white fish holds up well in the oven and has a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon and spices.
Lemons: Thin slices add a bright, tangy flavor and help keep the fish moist as it bakes.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a glossy finish.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano and thyme: This blend adds smokiness and depth to every bite.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a little kick that balances the flavors.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds color and freshness.

Close-up of a flaky baked mahi mahi fillet seasoned with herbs and served with lemon

Baked mahi mahi fillet plated with lemon slices and parsley, a juicy flaky fish dinner

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange the Lemons

Lay the thinly sliced lemons on the baking sheet. They create a fragrant bed for the fish to sit on while it bakes.

Step 3: Butter the Fish

Place the mahi mahi fillets on top of the lemon slices. Generously brush melted butter over both sides of the fillets to keep them moist.

Step 4: Season

In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, sea salt, thyme, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Sprinkle the blend evenly over the fish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Broil for Extra Crisp

For a light, crispy top, broil the fish for about 2 more minutes. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Take the fish out of the oven and sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Arrange the lemon slices evenly so the fish bakes evenly and picks up flavor.
Do not overbake. Mahi mahi dries out quickly, so check for a flaky texture at 12 minutes.
Do not skip the broil if you like a crisp top, but watch it closely.
Pat the fillets dry before buttering so the seasoning sticks.

Hand squeezing fresh lemon over a baked mahi mahi fillet with parsley — A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the baked mahi mahi.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers of this baked mahi mahi recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven so the fish does not get tough. This baked mahi mahi recipe is best fresh, but leftovers also work flaked over a salad for lunch.

Variations and Substitutions

For a flavor twist, add thin slices of fresh ginger under the fish before baking.
If you cannot find mahi mahi, another firm fish like halibut works well.
For extra protein and fiber, serve the fish with quinoa or a chickpea salad.
For a dairy-free baked mahi mahi recipe, use olive oil in place of the butter.

For another easy fish dinner, try my Easy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia.

What to Serve With Baked Mahi Mahi

This baked mahi mahi recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Rice, quinoa or roasted potatoes also soak up the buttery lemon juices well.

Why This Recipe Works

This baked mahi mahi recipe is for anyone who wants a high-protein dinner without complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Baking is hands-off, so you can set the table or relax while the fish cooks. It is quick, simple and perfect for a busy family.

More High Protein Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this baked mahi mahi recipe, try these next:

Want more? Browse our high protein seafood recipes roundup or all of our high protein dinner recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to prepare mahi mahi?

Baking is one of the easiest, most reliable ways to cook mahi mahi because the gentle, even heat keeps the lean fillets moist without much hands-on attention. Pan-searing and grilling also work well, but both need closer watching so the fish doesn’t dry out.

Why is mahi mahi on the avoid list?

Some sustainability guides flag mahi mahi caught with longline gear because of bycatch of sea turtles, sharks and seabirds, not because the fish itself is unsafe to eat. Look for mahi mahi caught by pole-and-line or troll methods, or with a sustainability certification, to avoid that concern.

Is mahi mahi better baked or pan-fried?

Baking is more forgiving and keeps the fish moist with minimal attention, while pan-frying gives a crispier crust but needs closer watching so the fillets don’t overcook. For a hands-off, consistent result like this recipe, baking is the easier choice.

What temperature should mahi mahi be cooked at?

Bake mahi mahi at 425°F (220°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Which is healthier, mahi mahi or salmon?

Mahi mahi is leaner, with about 190 calories, 22g protein and 10g fat per serving in this recipe, while salmon is higher in fat but brings more omega-3 fatty acids. Choose mahi mahi for a very lean, high-protein option, or salmon if you want more omega-3s.

Should I take the skin off mahi mahi before cooking?

Mahi mahi fillets are usually sold skinless already. If yours still has skin, you can bake it skin-on to help the fillet hold together and stay moist, then remove the skin easily after cooking if you prefer.

What is the best recipe for baked mahi mahi?

A simple approach like this one: fillets set on a bed of lemon slices, brushed with melted butter and seasoning, then baked at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes until they flake easily with a fork.

Is mahi mahi healthy to eat?

Yes. It’s a lean, high-protein fish, with about 22g protein and only 190 calories per serving in this recipe, and it’s naturally low in carbs.

More High Protein Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, these easy ideas are a great next step:

Want more? Browse all of our high protein dinner recipes or explore the full high protein recipes collection.

The Bottom Line

If you want something quick, satisfying and affordable, give this baked mahi mahi recipe a try. I’d love to hear how yours turns out!

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and a comment below, it really helps other readers. And follow me on Pinterest for more easy high protein recipes!

Lauren Mitchell
Recipe Creator at The Cookly
Easy high-protein recipes for everyday life.

Print Recipe

Easy Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe

This Easy Baked Mahi Mahi is a deliciously simple seafood dish, perfect for weeknight dinners. The fish is infused with zesty lemon and savory herbs, making it both flavorful and healthy.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked mahi mahi, baked mahi mahi recipe, high protein dinner

Servings: 4

Calories: 190kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lemons, thinly sliced
1 pound Mahi Mahi fillets

Seasoning and Topping

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Arrange the lemon slices on the baking sheet as a fragrant bed for the fish.
Place the Mahi Mahi fillets on top of the lemons and generously brush both sides with the melted butter.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, sea salt, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Sprinkle this aromatic blend evenly over the fish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
For an extra touch, broil the fish for an additional 2 minutes at the end to develop a light, crispy top.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.