Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter
This easy Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter recipe features tender, flaky fish baked with Old Bay seasoning and topped with a zesty citrus butter. Ready in under 30 minutes for a fresh, flavorful seafood dinner.
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful seafood dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining, this Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter is the answer. Tender, flaky mahi mahi filets are baked to perfection with olive oil and Old Bay seasoning, then brushed with a fresh lime butter that adds a burst of zesty flavor.
The result? A dish that’s vibrant, fresh, and beautifully balanced — perfect for pairing with rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
Healthy & Fresh: Mahi mahi is a lean protein rich in omega-3s.
Bright Flavor: Lime zest and juice cut through the richness of butter for a fresh finish.
Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples create a restaurant-quality dish.
Versatile: Serve it with almost any side dish for a complete meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
Every element plays a role in creating flavor and texture.
1. Mahi Mahi Filets
Mahi mahi is a firm, white fish with a slightly sweet flavor. It holds up well to baking and pairs beautifully with citrus. It’s lean, protein-packed, and mild enough to please even non-seafood lovers.
2. Olive Oil (for drizzle)
Adds moisture and helps the fish bake evenly while giving it a delicate richness. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
3. Old Bay Seasoning
A classic seafood seasoning made with paprika, celery salt, and spices. It adds depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the fish.
4. Butter (2 tbsp, softened)
Forms the base of the lime butter. Butter adds richness and helps carry the lime flavor across the fish.
5. Lime Juice + Zest (of 1 lime)
Brightens the dish with tangy citrus notes. Zest is especially powerful for adding fragrance and flavor without extra acidity.
6. Pinch of Salt
Balances the flavors and enhances the citrus and spice.
Recipe Card
Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 12–15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 mahi mahi filets
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzle)
Old Bay seasoning, generous sprinkle for each filet
2 tbsp butter, softened
Zest + juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Pat mahi mahi filets dry with a paper towel. Place on the prepared sheet pan.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season both sides generously with Old Bay.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 137–145°F).
While fish bakes, mash softened butter with lime juice, zest, and a pinch of salt.
When mahi mahi comes out of the oven, brush lime butter over both sides of each filet.
Serve hot with extra lime wedges, if desired.
Tips for Success
Pat the Fish Dry: Helps the oil and seasoning stick, and prevents soggy texture.
Don’t Overcook: Mahi mahi cooks quickly. Pull it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure butter is softened for easy mixing with lime.
Customize Seasoning: Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or garlic herb blends.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of cilantro or parsley makes the dish pop.
Variations
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter: Grill filets over medium heat for a smoky version.
Spicy Lime Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the butter.
Garlic Lime Butter: Mix in 1 clove minced garlic for extra flavor.
Coconut Rice Pairing: Serve mahi mahi over coconut jasmine rice for a tropical flair.
Nutritional Benefits
Mahi Mahi: High in protein, low in fat, and a great source of selenium and B vitamins.
Lime: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Olive Oil: Provides heart-healthy fats.
Butter (in moderation): Adds richness without overwhelming calories.
Serving Suggestions
With Rice: Jasmine rice, coconut rice, or brown rice.
With Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.
With Salad: A crisp arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
As Tacos: Flake the fish, add to warm tortillas, and top with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime butter.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.
Freeze: Cooked mahi mahi can be frozen up to 2 months, but fresh is best.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Dish
This Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter is the definition of fresh and flavorful. The Old Bay seasoning adds a savory kick, the fish bakes up moist and tender, and the lime butter finishes it with a burst of brightness. It’s light yet satisfying, simple yet elegant — the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
Whether you’re new to cooking fish or looking for an easy yet impressive seafood recipe, this one hits all the right notes. It’s weeknight-friendly but tastes like something from a coastal restaurant.
Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter
This easy Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter recipe features tender, flaky fish baked with Old Bay seasoning and topped with a zesty citrus butter. Ready in under 30 minutes for a fresh, flavorful seafood dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi filets
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzle)
- Old Bay seasoning, generous sprinkle for each filet
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Zest + juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Pat mahi mahi filets dry with a paper towel. Place on the prepared sheet pan.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season both sides generously with Old Bay.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 137–145°F).
- While fish bakes, mash softened butter with lime juice, zest, and a pinch of salt.
- When mahi mahi comes out of the oven, brush lime butter over both sides of each filet.
- Serve hot with extra lime wedges, if desired.
Ready to bring fresh, zesty flavors to your table? Try this Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter tonight and see how easy it is to make restaurant-quality seafood at home. Don’t forget to share your version and tag me — I’d love to see your creations!
This easy Mahi Mahi with Lime Butter recipe features tender, flaky fish baked with Old Bay seasoning and topped with a zesty citrus butter. Ready in under 30 minutes for a fresh, flavorful seafood dinner.