Mediterranean Baked Mahi Mahi with Lemon and Garlic

Mediterranean Baked Mahi Mahi with Lemon and Garlic – a healthy, flavor-packed fish recipe with bold spices, fresh lemon, and a garlic-infused sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Bright, zesty, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors, this baked mahi mahi recipe with lemon and garlic is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. This easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes and features flaky fish, a savory spice coating, and a fresh lemon garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Mahi Mahi

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Whether you're following a Mediterranean diet, looking for healthy dinner options, or just craving something flavorful and fresh, this dish checks every box:

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and warm spices delivers a balanced yet bold flavor.

• Healthy: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep time.

• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a light salad.

Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Matter

Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient in this recipe, so you understand how every part contributes to the final dish.

Mahi Mahi Fillets (2–4 pieces)

Mahi mahi is a firm, mild-flavored white fish that holds up beautifully to baking and searing. It doesn’t have an overpowering "fishy" taste, making it a great option even for picky eaters. Its firm texture makes it ideal for crisping on the outside while staying flaky inside.

Tip: Pat the fillets dry before coating. This helps the flour mixture stick and results in a better sear.

Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped)

A finishing sprinkle of parsley adds brightness, color, and a fresh herbal note that complements the lemon beautifully.

Lemon Sauce:

Fresh Lemon Juice (5 tablespoons)

Lemon is the star here. It provides the tangy brightness that defines Mediterranean cuisine and helps cut through the richness of the fish and butter.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (5 tablespoons)

A key Mediterranean ingredient, EVOO adds depth, richness, and a velvety mouthfeel. It also helps the fish sear and bake without drying out.

Melted Butter (2 tablespoons)

Butter balances the acidity of the lemon and brings a savory richness to the sauce. A small amount adds just the right indulgence without overwhelming the dish.

Minced Garlic (5 cloves)

Garlic is essential for a Mediterranean profile. Raw garlic added to the lemon sauce before baking infuses the entire dish with flavor as it roasts.

For Coating:

All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup)

Lightly coating the fish in flour gives it a golden crust and helps lock in moisture during baking.

Ground Coriander (1 tsp)

Adds a citrusy, earthy aroma that complements the lemon.

Sweet Spanish Paprika (¾ tsp)

This gives the fish a warm, smoky undertone and enhances its color.

Ground Cumin (¾ tsp)

Cumin brings warmth and complexity, grounding the citrus and garlic.

Salt (¾ tsp) + Black Pepper (½ tsp)

Essential seasonings that highlight all the flavors and make the spices pop.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s walk through the simple process of preparing this delicious mahi mahi.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready to go after searing the fish.

2. Make the Lemon Sauce

In a shallow bowl, whisk together:

• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Set this aside. You'll use it for dipping the fish and as a drizzle before baking.

3. Mix the Coating

In a separate bowl, combine:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika

• ¾ teaspoon cumin

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

This spice mixture adds a flavorful crust to the fish.

4. Prep the Fish

• Pat the mahi fillets dry with paper towels.

• Dip each fillet in the lemon sauce.

• Dredge in the flour/spice mixture until well coated.

Tip: Use tongs or your fingers to gently press the coating onto the fish for better coverage.

5. Sear the Fish

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

• Sear each fillet for 2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden.

• Remove from heat (the fish will finish cooking in the oven).

6. Add Garlic & Bake

• Stir the minced garlic into the remaining lemon sauce.

• Drizzle it evenly over the seared mahi fillets.

Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Tip: Internal temperature should reach 137–140°F for perfectly cooked mahi mahi.

7. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Mahi Mahi

This dish is so versatile! Here are some delicious sides that complement the flavors:

• Mediterranean Lemon Rice

• Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta

• Warm Pita Bread and Hummus

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

• White Wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered pan at 300°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Not recommended — mahi mahi texture can change when frozen after baking.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice can taste bitter and metallic.

• Don’t skip searing – That golden crust adds flavor and seals in moisture.

• Avoid overcooking – Mahi can dry out quickly. Check doneness at 8 minutes.

• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

• Make it dairy-free – Simply omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines Mediterranean simplicity with restaurant-quality technique. The lemon garlic sauce infuses the fish with bold flavor without overpowering its delicate nature. Searing adds texture, and the spice-coated flour keeps the fish juicy while providing a subtle crust. It’s elegant enough to serve guests, but simple enough to enjoy on a busy weeknight.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Tag your creations with #cooksnapbake on Instagram – I love seeing what you make!
And don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest or share it with a friend who loves Mediterranean flavors!

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Mediterranean Baked Mahi Mahi with Lemon and Garlic

Mediterranean Baked Mahi Mahi with Lemon and Garlic – a healthy, flavor-packed fish recipe with bold spices, fresh lemon, and a garlic-infused sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Cook time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• Mahi Mahi Fillets (2–4 pieces)
• Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped)
• Lemon Sauce:
• Fresh Lemon Juice (5 tablespoons)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (5 tablespoons)
• Melted Butter (2 tablespoons)
• Minced Garlic (5 cloves)
• For Coating:
• All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup)
• Ground Coriander (1 tsp)
• Sweet Spanish Paprika (¾ tsp)
• Ground Cumin (¾ tsp)
• Salt (¾ tsp) + Black Pepper (½ tsp)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready to go after searing the fish.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together: 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons melted butter
3. Set this aside. You'll use it for dipping the fish and as a drizzle before baking.
4. In a separate bowl, combine: ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika, ¾ teaspoon cumin, ¾ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Pat the mahi fillets dry with paper towels.
6. Dip each fillet in the lemon sauce.
7. Dredge in the flour/spice mixture until well coated.
8. Tip: Use tongs or your fingers to gently press the coating onto the fish for better coverage.
9. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
10. Sear each fillet for 2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden.
11. Remove from heat (the fish will finish cooking in the oven).
12. Stir the minced garlic into the remaining lemon sauce.
13. Drizzle it evenly over the seared mahi fillets.
14. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
15. Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

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