Zesty Citrus-Baked Mahi Mahi
Elevate your dinner with this vibrant Zesty Citrus-Baked Mahi Mahi recipe! Bursting with the bright flavors of lemon and orange, this dish combines the delicate texture of fresh mahi mahi with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion, this easy-to-make fish dish will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds. With minimal prep time and a deliciously healthy profile, you'll enjoy every bite while knowing you're serving a nutritious meal.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi fillets
2 lbs (boneless, skinned (about 8 fillets))
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted (optional))
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
Salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (spice)
Orange slices
8 (fresh)
Crushed pineapple
20 ounces (partially drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease one or two baking dishes.
2
Rinse the mahi mahi fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in a single layer in the greased baking dishes.
3
In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and melted butter (if using). Drizzle this mixture evenly over the mahi mahi fillets.
4
In another bowl, mix together ground ginger, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the fish fillets for a burst of flavor.
5
Place an orange slice atop each mahi mahi fillet to infuse the dish with citrus goodness.
6
Pour the partially drained crushed pineapple evenly over the fish and orange slices, distributing it well.
7
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overbake to retain moisture.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
30g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Citrus-Baked Mahi Mahi?
It is a vibrant fish dish featuring mahi mahi fillets baked with lemon, orange, and pineapple for a tropical flavor profile.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the fish.
How long does the mahi mahi need to bake?
The mahi mahi should bake for 20-30 minutes until the fillets are opaque and flake easily.
What are the key ingredients for the citrus topping?
The topping consists of lemon juice, optional melted butter, fresh orange slices, and crushed pineapple.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal with 21g of protein and a healthy profile featuring fresh fruit and fish.
Can I use frozen mahi mahi?
Yes, but you must ensure the fillets are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels before starting the preparation.
How do I tell if the mahi mahi is cooked through?
The fillets are done when they are opaque throughout and flake easily when tested with a fork.
What sides pair well with this tropical fish?
This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Is the butter mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 3 tablespoons of melted butter are optional and can be omitted for a lower-fat version.
Which citrus fruits are featured in this dish?
This recipe uses both fresh lemon juice and fresh orange slices for its signature citrus flavor.
Should the pineapple be drained?
The 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple should be partially drained before being poured over the fish.
How many fillets does this recipe accommodate?
The recipe is designed for 2 lbs of mahi mahi, which is roughly 8 boneless, skinned fillets.
What spices provide the zesty flavor?
A mixture of ground ginger, salt, pepper, and paprika is used to season the fillets.
Should I rinse the mahi mahi before cooking?
Yes, rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick properly.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease one or two baking dishes to prevent the fish from sticking.
Can I substitute mahi mahi with another fish?
While intended for mahi mahi, other firm white fish like halibut or cod could be used, though cooking times may vary.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 21g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 11g of fat per serving in this citrus-baked fish dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates, primarily from the pineapple and citrus.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list of fish, fruit, spices, and butter, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What size can of pineapple is required?
You will need one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How can I avoid overbaking the fish?
Check the fish at the 20-minute mark; it should be opaque and flake easily without becoming dry.
Should I peel the orange slices?
The recipe uses orange slices placed atop the fillets; you can leave the peel on for infusion or peel them if you prefer to eat the slice with the fish.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is flavorful and zesty due to the ginger and paprika, but it does not have a high heat level.
How much ground ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to be mixed with the other spices.
What texture should the cooked mahi mahi have?
The fish should be delicate and moist, never rubbery, and should break apart easily with a fork.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant presentation and sweet-citrus flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
How do I distribute the pineapple over the fish?
Pour the partially drained pineapple evenly over the fillets and orange slices, ensuring it is well-distributed before baking.