Dinner

Baked Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi Recipe

BySimon Carel November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Introduction

Baked Mahi Mahi is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. The tender fish is seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and baked on lemon slices for a bright, fresh taste.

Three grilled fish fillets are laid flat and arranged in parallel on a white oval plate over a white marbled surface. Each fillet has a golden brown, slightly crispy texture with scattered small black char marks and is sprinkled generously with finely chopped green herbs. Under the top and middle fillets, there are two bright yellow lemon slices, partially visible, adding a fresh touch. A silver fork is placed on the lower right corner next to the plate. A soft gray and white striped cloth is partly visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Arrange the lemon slices evenly on the baking sheet to create a bed for the fish.
Step 3: Place the Mahi Mahi fillets on top of the lemon slices and brush both sides with the melted butter.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, sea salt, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the fish.
Step 5: Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then switch to broil on high and cook for an additional 1½ minutes to achieve a slight golden finish.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the finely chopped parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, baste the fish with the melted butter halfway through baking.
Substitute fresh thyme for dried if available to enhance the herbaceous flavor.
Add a splash of white wine to the baking sheet for a subtle depth of flavor.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover baked Mahi Mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. For best texture and flavor, enjoy the dish fresh immediately after cooking.

How to Serve

A white oval plate holds three cooked white fish fillets, each topped with a light brown seasoning and bright green chopped herbs unevenly sprinkled on top. Two lemon slices with a slightly charred surface sit under the top and middle fillets at the edge of the plate. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a silver fork partly visible on the right side. A folded white cloth with thin black stripes is tucked under the top left edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Mahi Mahi for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure even baking.

What can I serve with baked Mahi Mahi?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.