Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi

This delicious Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi recipe features fresh mahi filets that are seasoned with bold Cajun flavors and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice. The mahi mahi comes out perfectly cooked every time!


Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi in a cream baking dish with teal handles with lemon wedges and an orange napkin sitting next to it.

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Living in Florida, I've spent most of my life surrounded by fish. Every restaurant around usually has a local catch option on the menu (or two or three!), so I've become an avid fan of trying lots of fish varieties over the years. Baked swordfish is a must-try! I love the classic lemon, tomato, and caper combo in this easy recipe.  I'm also a big fan of salmon, especially air fryer salmon.  So good! 

One of my very first favorite kinds of fish when I was young was mahi mahi. Mahi mahi is mild and delicious and absolutely amazing when seasoned with my favorite blackened seasoning.

I like to prepare this mahi mahi recipe at least a couple of times a month for my family. Yup, the kids eat it, too! When you try it, I think you'll understand why we love it so much. 

Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi in a cream baking dish with lemon wedges sitting next to it.

How To Bake Mahi Mahi

Baking mahi mahi in the oven is a very easy way to prepare it! First, season fresh thawed mahi filets with Cajun seasoning. Then bake the mahi for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. See below for a detailed ingredients list and instructions.


What is Mahi Mahi Fish

One question that a lot of folks out there have is: Is mahi mahi dolphin? The answer is yes. Mahi mahi is dolphin, but it is dolphinfish, not the air-breathing mammal that is most associated with the word dolphin. So, rest assured, your mahi mahi fish is of no relation to the porpoises you know and love!

Uncooked Mahi Mahi with Cajun season sprinkled on it in a cream baking dish with teal handles.

What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?

Mahi mahi is a thick, lean, and meaty white fish that, when cooked, is moist with a mild, sometimes slightly sweet taste.

Baked Mahi Mahi Topping Variations

Want to add a little extra flair to your mahi? Try topping it with one of these creative accompaniments:
  • For a sweet twist, try a fruit salsa! You'll love mahi mahi with mango salsa or mahi mahi with pineapple salsa.
  • Top baked mahi mahi with cream sauce. A lemon dill yogurt sauce pairs well with fish.
  • Fresh herbs are a great mahi accompaniment. Serve your mahi mahi with chimichurri, a bold herb sauce.

Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi on a bed of quinoa on a cream colored plate  with lemon wedges, an orange napkin, and a fork sitting next to it.

What to Serve with Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi

Serve your mahi mahi with roasted vegetables, rice, and a side salad to make a complete meal.

Is This a Blackened Mahi Recipe?

While this recipe used the same seasonings as blackened mahi mahi, the method of baking disqualifies this from being actually blackened. Blackening refers to the preparation method where meat is coated in Cajun seasonings and cooked in a very hot skillet, creating a black, crisp sear on the meat. For this recipe, the flavors will be similar to blackened mahi mahi, but the outside of the fish with be soft and tender, not pan-sear crisp.

Is This Mahi Spicy?

I make this Cajun Seasoning in bulk, so I use it all the time. As is, the spice mix does have a little kick, especially if you use it liberally. To reduce the heat, omit the white pepper and cayenne pepper from the mix. I also highly suggest not skipping the lemon. The bright acidity from the lemon juice helps balance the full-flavored seasoning.

Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi on a bed of quinoa on a cream colored plate.

What To Do With Leftover Baked Mahi Mahi

If you want to spice things up with your leftover mahi mahi, try transforming it into another meal! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy leftover mahi mahi:
  • in a lunch wrap
  • make mahi fish tacos
  • served over a Caesar salad
  • make a fish sandwich
  • And so much more!

How To Store Leftover Baked Mahi Mahi

Store leftover baked mahi mahi in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi flaked apart to chow the cooked inside.

More Yummy Fish Recipes

Looking for more fabulous fish recipes? Check out these popular recipes from the archives:


If you decide to try my easy mahi mahi recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!



Cajun Baked Mahi Mahi

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 3 MINUTES
cook time: 18 MINUTES
total time: 21 MINUTES
This delicious Baked Mahi Mahi recipe features fresh mahi filets that are seasoned with bold Cajun flavors and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice.

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INGREDIENTS

2 mahi mahi filets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
pinch thyme leaves
pinch dried oregano leaves
pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 lemon, cut into wedges


INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Grease a baking dish with olive oil or olive oil spray.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Place the mahi into the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, flipping the mahi mahi so the oil coats both sides of the fish. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning on both sides of the fish.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
  6. Remove the fish from the oven and squeeze the lemon wedges over the fish.


NOTES

I recommend making a batch of the Cajun Seasoning to have on hand!

For an extra lemon kick, slice the other half of the lemon and bake the fish on top of the lemon slices.

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.


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