Description
This baked mahi-mahi recipe features tender, flaky fillets cooked on lemon slices that infuse the fish with bright citrus flavor. Topped with a garlic-herb butter sauce, this easy yet elegant dish balances rich butter and fresh thyme with smoky paprika and garlic. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the method also works beautifully with similar firm white fish like salmon or cod.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium lemon
- 4 (5 ounce) skinless mahi-mahi fillets
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 medium clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Lemon Slices and Zest: Grate the lemon to yield approximately 1 teaspoon of zest and set it aside in a microwave-safe bowl. Cut four ¼-inch-thick slices from the lemon and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the remaining lemon for another use.
- Arrange Mahi-Mahi Fillets: Place one mahi-mahi fillet on top of each lemon slice on the baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the fillets with ½ teaspoon salt to enhance their natural flavor.
- Make Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, grated garlic, ½ teaspoon of coarsely ground pepper, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and the lemon zest into the microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds until the butter melts and the spices become fragrant, then stir well to combine.
- Brush Sauce Over Fillets: Spoon and brush the melted garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over each mahi-mahi fillet, ensuring they are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fish for about 20 minutes, or until the fillets flake easily with a fork, indicating that they are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and garnish the fillets with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful baked mahi-mahi.
Notes
- You can substitute mahi-mahi with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or salmon.
- Ensure not to overcook the fish, as mahi-mahi can become dry; it should be flaky and moist.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fillets just before serving.
- Use parchment paper to avoid cleanup hassles and prevent sticking.
- This recipe is gluten-free, dairy can be substituted with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.