Baked Mahi Mahi
Imagine a dish that captures the essence of a sun-kissed beach, with flavors that dance on your palate and a presentation that impresses every guest at your table. This Baked Mahi Mahi recipe is just that—an easy yet elegant meal that you can whip up for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. With buttery, garlicky notes, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness from cherries, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy seafood without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Mahi Mahi is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. The recipe combines wholesome ingredients that make it a healthy choice while still being packed with flavor. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with wild rice and steamed broccoli, making it a complete meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
What Goes Into Baked Mahi Mahi
To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 fillets Mahi Mahi, defrosted
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 slices lemon
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme and dill
- 3/4 cup cherries, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- 1/3 cup mixed herbs, chopped (mostly dill, some parsley and chives)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
Must-Have Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Baking dish: A glass or ceramic dish works best for even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients and preparing the topping.
- Sharp knife: Essential for slicing garlic and chopping herbs and cherries.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for perfect flavor.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot dishes!
Baked Mahi Mahi in Steps
Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s get into the step-by-step guide to making Baked Mahi Mahi.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Mahi Mahi will cook evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
Pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps to achieve a nice sear and prevents the fish from steaming in the oven.
Step 3: Season the Fillets
Rub the fillets with oil, then sprinkle the sea salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes over both sides. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In your baking dish, place the seasoned Mahi Mahi fillets. Top each fillet with the sautéed garlic and butter mixture, followed by lemon slices, fresh thyme, and dill.
Step 6: Add Cherries and Capers
Sprinkle the chopped cherries and drained capers over the fish, allowing their flavors to meld during baking.
Step 7: Make the Herb Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix the chopped mixed herbs, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the fillets for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Serve
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the Baked Mahi Mahi over a bed of cooked wild rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a wholesome meal.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking to keep this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, consider the following alternatives:
- Replace wild rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter side dish.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor and higher smoke point.
- Omit the honey or substitute with a low-carb sweetener to reduce sugar content.
- Pair with a fresh salad instead of steamed broccoli for a refreshing crunch.
Chef’s Rationale
The magic of Baked Mahi Mahi lies in its ability to showcase fresh ingredients without overwhelming them. The combination of butter and garlic provides a rich base, while the lemon and herbs brighten the dish, making it suitable for any palate. The addition of cherries offers a surprising sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity, whether you want to adjust the herbs or experiment with different fruit toppings.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious!), store them properly to maintain freshness. Allow the Mahi Mahi to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, taking care not to dry it out.
Handy Q&A
Can I use frozen Mahi Mahi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Mahi Mahi. Just make sure to defrost it thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
What can I substitute for Mahi Mahi?
Other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper would work well as substitutes in this recipe.
Is Baked Mahi Mahi healthy?
Absolutely! Mahi Mahi is a lean source of protein, and when paired with wholesome ingredients like wild rice and vegetables, it makes for a nutritious meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While fresh fish is best, you can prepare the seasoning and toppings in advance. Just assemble everything right before baking for the best flavor and texture.
What to Make After This
If you loved Baked Mahi Mahi, try these delicious recipes next:
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this Baked Mahi Mahi recipe, be sure to save it to your favorites and share it with friends and family. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to impress. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag your culinary creations on social media!
With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, this Baked Mahi Mahi will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Savor the moment, enjoy the meal, and happy cooking!
Baked Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the fillets with oil, then sprinkle the sea salt, pepper, and chili flakes over both sides.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- In your baking dish, place the seasoned Mahi Mahi fillets. Top each fillet with the sautéed garlic and butter mixture, followed by lemon slices, fresh thyme, and dill.
- Sprinkle the chopped cherries and drained capers over the fish.
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped mixed herbs, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the fillets.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the Baked Mahi Mahi over a bed of cooked wild rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
Notes
- For a lighter option, replace wild rice with cauliflower rice.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor.
- Consider omitting honey or substituting with a low-carb sweetener.
- Pair with a fresh salad instead of steamed broccoli for a refreshing crunch.
