Want to know my favorite trick for perfectly Baked Mahi Mahi? After years of testing seafood recipes and teaching home cooks to master fish, I've found that a simple sauce can make all the difference between "meh" and "amazing." This baked mahi mahi recipe combines butter, fresh dill, and Dijon into a sauce that not only adds flavor but also helps keep the fish moist as it cooks.
The best part? This easy method works on any mild white fish. If you can't find mahi mahi, any mild white fish like cod, halibut, or haddock works with the same recipe!
This baked mahi recipe is foolproof because it solves the biggest challenge of cooking fish - keeping it moist. The Dijon-dill sauce creates a protective layer that adds flavor while ensuring the fish stays tender and juicy. And it’s a true one-pan dinner when you add asparagus or another quick-cooking veggie to the pan.
My site is all about making restaurant-quality seafood at home, and this recipe perfectly demonstrates how simple techniques can give you amazing results. If you enjoy this, you'll love my Air Fryer Mahi Mahi and Broiled Pollock.
New to cooking seafood? Welcome! I'm here to help you build confidence in the kitchen, especially when it comes to fish. If you're a first-time visitor, check out more about my seafood journey.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
Before we get into the step by step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients:
- Fish: substitute cod, haddock, halibut or your favorite white fish for mahi, if needed. Just monitor cook time to ensure your fish is cooked through.
- Garlic: fresh cloves are always best, but sub ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch!
- Fresh herbs: fresh dill is a slam-dunk choice for this dish. Substitute basil, chives or flat-leaf parsley.
- Asparagus: make it a one-pan dinner by adding fresh asparagus spears or thin green beans to your baking sheet.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Let fish come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Don't overcook - fish should be just opaque and flake easily.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of fillets (especially if using another type of white fish that may be thicker or thinner than Mahi Mahi.)
How do I know when mahi mahi is done?
The fish should be just opaque and flake easily with a fork. Cook to 140 degrees F - it will rise to 145 while resting.
Can I prep any of this ahead?
Yes! Mix the butter and garlic up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature (heat in microwave), add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir well before using. You can also trim asparagus ahead and store in a damp paper towel.
What should I serve with this?
The asparagus makes this a complete meal, but it's wonderful with Duchess Potato Casserole to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option, try a fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad.
How to Make Baked Mahi Fish
1. Prep Pan
Preheat oven and place fish fillets on a baking sheet covered with foil. Add trimmed asparagus.
2. Make Garlic Butter Dill Sauce
Melt butter and sliced garlic in microwave. Then add Dijon, lemon juice, salt, pepper and fresh dill and stir. Pour sauce over mahi and asparagus.
3. Bake and Serve
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until fish is cooked through and tender. Serve with more fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Dijon Dill Baked Mahi Mahi
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
My most requested fish recipe! Tender mahi mahi with a velvety Dijon-dill sauce that turns a simple sheet pan dinner into something special. Quick, easy, and absolutely foolproof.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds Mahi Mahi fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 large garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 pound asparagus, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dry fish fillets well with paper towels. Arrange on a foil-covered baking pan. Add cleaned, trimmed asparagus (or substitute fresh green beans) around the fish.
- In a microwave safe measuring cup or bowl, add butter and garlic. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the butter is fully melted. Add Dijon, lemon juice, salt, pepper and fresh dill. Stir well to combine. Pour butter herb sauce over the fish and vegetables.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until fish is cooked through and flaky (about 140). Serve with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges, for garnish.
Notes
- Storage: Keeps 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a pat of butter or splash of stock.
- Prep Time: 8
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 394.8 mg
- Fat: 13.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.9 g
- Protein: 33.5 g
- Cholesterol: 133.9 mg
jill
I loved the dill so much! I think I overcooked it, but it was still really good. Can't wait to make again!
Christina Jolam
Mahi Mahi is on the thinner side, so you can knock off a minute of cooking time next time. So glad you love it! Thanks for coming back to leave a helpful review.
Ines
So easy to make and so flavorful!
Will be trying this with other fish! The sauce is delicious
Christina Jolam
Love hearing this, Ines! It's so good with cod and I've even made it with sea bream and corvina! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a helpful review - appreciate you.
Skipper
Absolutely fantastic! What an easy weeknight dinner. It took us 45 minutes from start to finish (finished with dinner). Thank you!
Christina Jolam
Ha! I like the timeline ending with you cleaning up the empty plates 😉 So glad you loved it. This one's a classic in my house - I use this method on just about every fish with great success. Thanks so much for coming back to leave a helpful review!