Oven-roasted mahi mahi is ready in under 20 minutes. This easy recipe uses lemon and Old Bay for a simple, healthy fish dinner that works any night of the week.
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We love roasting fish in the oven. Roasting preserves the fish's natural flavors, and it stays moist while it cooks.
This fish is seasoned with Old Bay's original flavor.
You can make a delicious and healthy seafood meal quickly with simple ingredients and a hot oven.
What is Mahi Mahi?
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphin fish or dorado, is a bright blue and yellow fish found in warm oceans all over the world.
In the Florida Keys, it's a local favorite, with plenty of mahi swimming just offshore.
The fish has firm, mild-tasting meat that works great for grilling, baking, frying, sautéing, searing, or even using raw in dishes like ceviche.
Roasted Mahi Mahi
Fresh fish is always best, but frozen mahi fillets work well too when handled properly.
There is nothing like fresh fish, but frozen fish fillets can also be great!
If you are buying fish from your grocer's fish counter, smell the fish before purchasing and make sure it smells like the sea and looks moist.
Like our roasted yellowtail, a simple seasoning of Old Bay elevates this meal and turns it into something quite special.
How To Season Fish Fillets For Roasting
Here are two popular seasoning options:
Old Bay Seasoning
A classic American seafood seasoning, Old Bay is a mix of herbs and spices like celery salt, paprika, mustard, and black pepper. Simply sprinkle it over the fish before roasting for a delicious flavor.
Blackened Seasoning
Blackened seasoning is another great option, known for its bold, slightly spicy flavor. Originally from New Orleans and popular in the South, it features a mix of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
While blackened seasoning is traditionally used for pan-searing fish in a hot skillet, it's also great for roasting. Simply season your mahi with the spice blend before cooking.
I use blackened seasoning to make dishes like Blackened Swordfish, Snapper with Key Lime Butter, Cajun Shrimp, and Grits and Grunts for breakfast.
What You Need
- mahi mahi fillets
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- Old Bay or blackened seasoning
- lemons
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley, either flat leaf or curly
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Substitutes for Mahi
We have some other local fish you can use in this recipe.
Try this recipe using yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, snook, tripletail, hogfish, porgies, or grouper.
Any thin white fish fillet will work. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
How to Roast Mahi Mahi
This recipe is ready in 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C) and position the oven rack in the center of the oven.
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the fillets on a glass baking dish or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. If parchment paper isn't available, lightly spray the pan with cooking oil.
- Brush each fish fillet with olive oil.
- Generously sprinkle seasoning over each fillet, then scatter butter over the top.
- Roast the fish for 10-15 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F on a meat thermometer.
- While the fish is cooking, zest a lemon.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the fish to rest for two minutes before serving.
- Garnish the fish with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftover cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat fish, gently warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook it.
- You can heat the fish in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes.
Shown here is leftover fish with Poached Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Peach Mango Salsa.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Fish: Buy your Mahi Mahi from a trusted fish market.Look for domestic wild-caught mahi.
- Check Temperature: The FDA recommends cooking fish until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the fish as it bakes. Overcooked Mahi can become dry and tough. Remove it from the oven as soon as it's done.
This fish dinner is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy! With 275 calories per serving, it's grain free, gluten-free, paleo, and perfect for a low-carb diet.
Best Sides for Baked Mahi Mahi
Here are some of our delicious side dishes to go with your fish dinner:
- Sweet and Creamy Macaroni Salad
- Lemon Asparagus Rice
- Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe with Peas
- Peach Mango Salsa
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
- Cauliflower Rice
- Oven Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes
- Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
- Quick Cheddar Mac and Cheese
There's nothing quite like the timeless combination of a homemade Key Lime Pie with Mahi! In The Keys it's the perfect ending to any meal.
Key Takeaway
Roasting Mahi Mahi for 10-15 minutes delivers moist, flavorful fish that are simple to prepare and perfect for any meal.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a delicious lunch or dinner dinner that will be a big hit with your family.
For seasoning, use a bottle of Old Bay that you can pick up at your fish market or try our homemade blackened seasoning recipe.
More Fish Dinner Recipes
For a one-pan mahi dinner, try Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables, made with fresh mahi mahi.
Here are a few more Florida fish recipes you'll love:
- How To Roast a Whole Snapper in the Oven
- Broiled Yellowtail with Blackening Seasoning
- Baked Tripletail with Basil Butter Sauce
- Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Old Bay
- Key West Lobster Rolls
For more mahi recipes, visit The Best Mahi Mahi Recipes.
FAQ
Cooking fish at 375 °F ensures even cooking, a flavorful crust, and a moist interior without overcooking. This temperature allows the fish to cook through evenly without drying out. It's also hot enough to promote browning, adding depth of flavor to the dish without overcooking the delicate flesh of the fish.
Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, is a type of fish found in tropical waters. It's known for its firm texture, mild flavor, and versatility in cooking.
Roasted mahi-mahi pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. Garnish the fish with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
Cook mahi mahi at 375°F. Place the seasoned fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi with Old Bay
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds mahi mahi fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning or sub homemade blackened seasoning
- 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into little cubes while its cold
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, either flat leaf or curly
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and position the oven rack in the center.
- Rinse the fish under cold water and gently pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the fillets on a glass baking dish or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. If parchment paper isn't available, lightly spray the pan with cooking oil.
- Brush each fish fillet with olive oil.
- Generously sprinkle seasoning over each fillet. Scatter the cubed butter over the fish.
- Roast the fish for 10-15 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) on a meat thermometer.
- While the fish is cooking, zest a lemon using a handheld microplane.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the fish to rest for two minutes before serving.
- Garnish with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store any leftover cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, gently warm the fish in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- You can also reheat the fish in a small skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for a few minutes.
Bob says
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