Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust

4.92 from 60 votes
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When you’re in the mood for something a little wilder than a plain old piece of fish, this Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi is the recipe you need. With this Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi recipe, you can take your fish game to new heights!

Plate of asparagus with a fillet of Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust.

This Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi is the perfect recipe to try if you aren’t the biggest fan of fish. Mahi Mahi is a mild white fish and bakes up so quickly. It only takes 30 minutes using a few simple ingredients and you can treat your family to a delicious and healthy meal.

Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi (aka Dorado) is a delectable and versatile fish known for its firm texture and mild taste. It is one of our favorite types of fish to bake because it has such a nice texture and flavor profile. It’s light and easy, plus it’s high in protein, so it’s a great option for those looking to cut down on their red meat intake.

You can find Mahi Mahi at most grocery stores, or you can use any type of white meat fish in its place. You can serve this meal with rice pilaf, a baked potato, some roasted veggies or green beans for a complete meal that will leave you satisfied.

If you’re looking for more fish recipes, try our Baked Cod in Cream Sauce, Grilled Cilantro Lime Halibut, Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, and Fish and Chips.

Benefits of Eating Fish

Besides tasting delicious, fish has multiple health benefits. It’s packed with nutrients (omega-3’s, vitamin D, protein), it could lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, autoimmune diseases (diabetes), and even asthma. It can also improve vision and sleep!

Sometimes fish can be hard to include in your diet because it can taste, well… fishy. Recipes like this Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi are great for easing in to fish because you get perfectly tender, flaky, flavorful fish without the strong fishy flavor. My husband, who has a bit of an aversion to fish, absolutely LOVES this and has actually REQUESTED this dish more than once (which is kind of a big deal).

Baking dish with fillets of Baked Mahi Mahi with parmesan crust.


What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?

Mahi Mahi has a moderately mild taste to it, much like cod or grouper. It is a wild-caught, white-fleshed saltwater fish so it doesn’t have much of a “fishy” flavor to it. Mahi Mahi has a better flavor and texture than tilapia (in my honest opinion) and is more meaty. It is slightly more firm and a little sweeter that other ocean-caught fish. It flakes easily and takes on different flavor profiles very well. Mahi Mahi is the perfect fish for this recipe. It takes on the slightly tangy flavor of the marinade as it bakes and flakes off in perfect, savory bites.

Key Ingredients

This recipe does’t have many ingredients, but the ingredients that are used make all the difference! Here are some of the key ingredients used:

  • Good Seasons Zesty Italian Seasoning – what we love about this Italian seasoning is that it is easy and flavorful. It really complements the fish and gives it a bright flavor.
  • Mayonnaise – We like using mayo instead of butter because of the flavor. It infuses the fish while also making it tender and juicy.
  • Parmesan cheese – In Italy adding cheese to seafood is a cardinal sin. BUT this isn’t really meant to be an Italian recipe (despite using “Italian seasoning”). Don’t worry, the parmesan doesn’t overpower the fish. If you really are worried about it or if you are an Italian that is offended by this recipe, you can leave it out.
  • Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs are the secret to getting that nice, crispy coating. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs. I prefer the texture of the panko but you can use whatever you have on hand.
  • Lemon – I don’t know about you, but I MUST have lemon served with my fish. Whether it be a little drizzle of lemon butter or a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top before eating, I just need that zesty-ness.
Ingredients to make Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust including mahi mahi, Italian dressing seasoning, Italian bread crumbs, greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and lemons.

Mahi Mahi Marinade

For this recipe we keep the marinade simple with just a little olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little salt and black pepper, to taste. If you want to add a little more zest to your fish, you can add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or lemon zest. Feel free to also add lemon pepper, dill, paprika, parsley, tarragon, or any other herbs or spices you love. 

Ziplock bag marinating mahi mahi fillets for Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust.

Try a New Flavor Profile

To add different flavor profiles to Parmesan baked Mahi Mahi, try any of following additions:

  1. Herb-Infused Crust: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary with the Parmesan cheese for an aromatic crust.
  2. Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the Parmesan crust. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil before baking.
  3. Cajun Spice: Incorporate a Cajun seasoning blend (we like Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning) or simply a dash of cayenne pepper into the Parmesan crust for a spicy kick.
  4. Coconut Crust: Replace some Parmesan with shredded coconut in the crust for a sweet and savory contrast.
  5. Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios, to the Parmesan crust for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  6. Pesto Drizzle: Top the Mahi Mahi with fresh basil pesto after baking for an herby finishing touch.
Fork Holding a piece of Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust.

What Goes Well With Baked Mahi Mahi Fillets?

For a top notch Mahi Mahi meal, serve this dish with some seasoned rice, such as our Easy Stovetop Rice Pilaf with Orzo and some roasted vegetables, like our Oven Roasted Asparagus. You can also serve fish with baked potatoes or keep it light with a tasty side salad, like our Copycat Cafe Zupa’s Nuts About Berries Salad.

Tips for this Recipe

  • I typically find beautiful mahi mahi filets for a decent price at Costco. I like to get their individually packaged frozen filets. But if you don’t have any on hand, you could use cod, tilapia, halibut, or any kind of fish.
  • Serve with lemon wedges so your guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. You can’t go wrong with any kind of fish and fresh lemon!
  • The only ingredient that you may not have on hand for this is the Italian seasoning spice mix. If you don’t have it available, don’t worry about making a special trip to the store just to get some. We have got you covered. We have a homemade version on our recipe for Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken.
Plate with a fillet of Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust. Asparagus on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover mahi mahi in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for a couple of days. Reheat the fish in the microwave, or in the air fryer. It will be crispier in the air fryer.

Does the fish stick to the baking dish?

If you prep the baking pan properly, then the fish will not stick to the pan. A light spritz with cooking spray will do the trick. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

Do I need to use fresh garlic?

Fresh, crushed garlic tastes the best in this recipe. However, you can also use jarred minced garlic.

More Fish Recipes

We have lots of tasty fish recipes that you are going to love! From soups to pastas to tacos, there are so many great ways to cook up fish.

Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust with lemon on a plate.

Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi

4.92 from 60 votes
Parmesan Herb Baked Mahi Mahi is the best baked mahi mahi recipe EVER. I would even go as far to say this the best FISH recipe ever. It is THAT good!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 6

Video

Ingredients

  • 6 Mahi Mahi filets

Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 packet Good Seasons Zesty Italian Seasoning

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh lemon to taste

Instructions

  • Place Mahi Mahi in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Combine marinade ingredients and pour into bag with mahi mahi. Press out air, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    Ziplock bag marinating mahi mahi fillets for Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and salt & pepper.
    Remove mahi mahi from bag and discard marinade.
    Mixing bowl with crust ingredients for Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust.
  • Place mahi mahi on a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread yogurt mixture evenly over the top of each filet. Optional: Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs evenly over each filet for an extra crispy topping.
    Baking pan lined with foil with six Mahi Mahi fillets with parmesan crust topping.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through and topping is golden brown.
    Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust. Sliced lemons and green onion on top.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions, chives, or a lemon slice if desired.
    Plate with a fillet of Baked Mahi Mahi with Parmesan Crust. Asparagus on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 37gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 483mgPotassium: 768mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 375IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 2.8mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Simple and incredibly delicious 😋 I had never heard of the seasoning packet before, but easily found it by the salad dressing/dry Ranch in the store. I used plain panko, added a little squeeze of lemon in the topping mixture, and added crushed pecans. I spread the mixture on then molded onto the fish with my hands; very simple. I am writing this one down in my cookbook. Chef’s kiss!!

  2. 5 stars
    We really liked the flavor of this dish. The crust was a bit difficult to manipulate onto the mahi mahi. Maybe a few tablespoons of cream would help.

  3. 5 stars
    I didn’t have breadcrumbs, so I used uncooked stovetop stuffing. It was the best thing I’ve ever tasted.

  4. 5 stars
    This got a big thumbs-up from the whole family! Was looking for something different to do with
    Mahi-Mahi, I’ve found my answer!
    Thank you 🙂

  5. 4 stars
    easy and good. What more can you ask for!!!! You can cheat with a tablespoon oilve oil and Italian dressing to make 1/3 cup for the marinade. Love it and so does the grandkids.

    1. So glad you and your grandkids like the recipe! The parmesan herb sauce works great on any kind of fish.

  6. I cannot find the Good Seasons Zesty Italian Seasoning packets at any of my local grocery stores, or anything like it. What would you suggest substituting it with? Thank you!

    1. -3 tsp. Montreal Chicken seasoning (if you don’t have this, you can mix together a little salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper together.. and maybe even a dash red pepper flakes)
      -2 tsp sugar
      -4 tsp. oregano
      -2 tsp. lemon pepper

  7. It was delicious. I am making it again one night next week. My daughter and son-in-law asked to have it again soon.

  8. 5 stars
    Made this last night and it was sooo good, the flavors were mild enough as to not over power the taste of the fish, served it with asparagus and it was a Big hit, will definitely make this again and I’d like to try it on chicken too. Ty

  9. 5 stars
    Love that you shared the benefits for eating fish! It really is a healthy & delicious option. The mahi-mahi is incredible with the parmesan crust. We will be making it like this a lot more!

  10. 5 stars
    This was incredible, I love the yogurt topping and the fish, it has so much flavor and turns out super moist, amazing recipe!

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