Oven Baked Mahi Mahi Recipe
Our Baked Mahi Mahi is an easy-to-prepare meal made with savory seasonings and cooked until flaky and tender. With its mild flavor and firm texture, this white fish is sure to be a family favorite. Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish makes an easy and tasty dinner!
Oven Baked White Fish
Of all the protein options available, seafood is my favorite. Specifically mahi mahi. It’s why I love living in warm coastal areas. Fresh seafood is easy to access and the varieties are endless.
While dishes like Baja fish tacos and fish and chips are my restaurant must-haves, at home we enjoy healthier oven-baked white fish options. Baked flounder, blackened mahi mahi, and panko-crusted cod are always on the menu rotation.
Our mahi mahi recipe made with savory seasonings and baked to flaky perfection is another dinner favorite. It’s light, simple, and takes no time at all to prepare.
How to Make Baked Mahi Mahi:
We use frozen (thawed) mahi mahi filets for this recipe, but it also works with fresh filets.
- Thaw the fish according to the package directions. While the fish thaws, preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Once thawed, pat the filets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small dish, combine the seasonings then use a pastry brush to apply the olive oil to all sides of the fish.
- Sprinkle half the seasonings on one side of the fish. Flip the fish over and sprinkle the filets with the remaining seasoning.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove the fish from the oven and serve immediately!
What is mahi mahi?
Mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin fish, is a lean white fish with a mild taste. It’s light in flavor and firm in texture and can be cooked in stove top dishes like soups and stews, grilled, fried, steamed, baked, or mahi mahi or in foil.
There are so many ways to flavor it, too. Some of our favorites are panko crusted mahi, lemon mahi, with cream sauce, lemon butter, or mango salsa. Serve it with roasted vegetables or potatoes and broccoli for a delicious meal!
How to Store Baked Mahi Mahi:
Refrigerator: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. But if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the fish in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through. Another option is to heat it on the stove top with a tablespoon or two of water if needed over low-medium heat. Any reheating tends to dry out the fish to some degree.
How long do you bake mahi mahi at 400°F?
We find the perfect amount of time is 18 to 22 minutes. The baking time may need to be adjusted if the mahi mahi filets are very thin or exceptionally thick.
How do you know when mahi mahi is done?
The best way is to test the fish using an instant-read thermometer. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, the fish is done. The filets will be white in color and flake easily.
Can you use frozen mahi mahi without thawing?
Possibly. Check the package to be sure the brand you’re using is ok to bake from frozen. The downside to baking fish directly out of the freezer is that it releases a lot of liquid which can dilute any seasonings.
It’s also hard to apply olive oil and seasonings to frozen filets. We recommend thawing the fish and patting it dry for the best results.
Do you bake mahi mahi with the skin on?
Yes, leaving the skin on keeps fresh mahi mahi from drying out. After the fish bakes, take a thin spatula and lift it off of the skin. Most of the time it comes off without a problem.
Why is my mahi mahi dry?
If the fish is dry, it could be due to overcooking. Overcooking causes the fish to become tough and dry.
To avoid this, use an accurate food thermometer when baking the filets to ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F then remove them from the oven immediately.
Additionally if using fresh filets, leave the skin on while the fish bakes.
What do you serve with baked mahi mahi?
There are so many side dishes that taste good with this tropical fish. Here are a few ideas:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds mahi mahi filets, We used frozen (thawed). (See note)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon seafood seasoning, We use Old Bay Seasoning. (See note)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Thaw the fish according to the package directions. While the fish thaws, preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a large baking dish.1 ½ pounds mahi mahi filets
- Once thawed, pat the filets dry and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings then use a pastry brush to apply the olive oil to all sides of the fish.¼ teaspoon seafood seasoning¼ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon dried oregano¼ teaspoon smoked paprika2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sprinkle half the seasonings on one side of the fish. Flip the fish over and sprinkle the filets with the remaining seasoning.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Serve immediately!
- Scroll up and see the post for storage information and FAQs.
Suggested Equipment
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 6 ounces. Actual calories will vary.
- We used frozen (thawed) fish. Fresh fish also works.
- Old Bay Seasoning is salty. It’s possible that using Old Bay plus the salt could be too strong for some. Consider using less, and adding additional salt after the fish cooks if desired.
The description says to cook at 450, the Recipe says 400