Mahi mahi fillet baked in the oven, with sides.

Photo: iStock

Baked mahi mahi

Name: Baked mahi mahi
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Lemon-garlic mixture; Salted butter; Chives; Garlic cloves; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Lemon juice; Lemon zest; Fish; Olive oil; Mahi mahi fillets

Mahi Mahi is a highly prized white fish – a lean and tender delicacy with a distinct flavour. It inhabits the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii and the Indian Ocean. This delicious fish is an excellent and affordable alternative to halibut and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling and frying. However, one of our favourite ways to prepare it is to simply pan-sear it, allowing the natural flavours and flaky texture to shine through.

BYFine Dining Lovers,

Editorial Staff

27 March, 2023

serves for

total time

0 HR 20 MIN

ingredients

Lemon-garlic mixture

Salted butter

2 tbsp (28g)

Chives

1 tbsp (4g) chopped, or parsley

Garlic cloves

2 tbsp (17g), minced

Kosher salt

⅛ tsp (1g)

Freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp (0.6g)

Lemon juice

1 tbsp (14g)

Lemon zest

1 tbsp (6g)

Fish

Olive oil

2 tbsp (830g)

Mahi mahi fillets

4 1-inch (2.5cm) thick each, 4oz (115g) each Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Step 01

Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 400°F (205°C).

Combine all the ingredients for the lemon-garlic mixture in a bowl and stir well. Set aside.

Step 02

Season both sides of the fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

Step 03

In a large oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish fillets and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip the fish fillets over and transfer the pan to the preheated oven.

Step 04

Roast the fish for about 5 minutes or until the top is golden and the centre is cooked through. A minute before the fish has finished cooking in the oven, heat the pan of the lemon-garlic mixture over medium-high heat, constantly stirring, until smooth.

Step 05

Pour the mixture over the fish. Serve with lemon slices for garnish.

Tips

Make sure your mahi mahi portions are about 6-7oz (170-200g) each, at least 1-inch (2.5cm) thick. If your portions are thin or too small, they'll overcook.
Dry the fish with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture – a crucial step that impacts how well the fish browns.
Before adding the fish, ensure that your cooking oil is hot for quick and even browning.
Preheat the oven to ensure it is hot when you transfer the mahi mahi directly from the stovetop. After five minutes in the oven, your dish will be ready.

What to serve with mahi mahi

To complete this delicious meal, serve a green salad or roasted vegetables as a side dish and some crusty bread, steamed rice, and mashed or roasted potatoes to soak up the flavourful sauce. Green vegetable, such as asparagus or green beans, also pair beautifully.