Got a fillet of mahi mahi? Try this easy mahi mahi recipe! It’s simply pan-fried with lemon, garlic and herbs until it’s tender and juicy. This popular fish makes a splash with simple preparations like this one: it’s got a short ingredient list and is quick to whip up as a tasty main dish. Add a sauce if you’d like, and experience the magic of pure, simple mahi mahi.
What does mahi mahi taste like?
Mahi mahi is a tropical fish with vibrant green, blue and gold scales, also called dolphinfish or dorado; its name means “strong” in Hawaiian. Mahi mahi has a distinctive, meatier flavor than most white fish, though it’s technically categorized as a mild flavor. The flesh is lean and moderately firm, with a moist texture and large flakes. Our honest review? This recipe is a great way to enjoy this tasty fish! In general, we prefer the flavor and texture of milder white fish like cod, tilapia or even halibut to mahi mahi, which has such a distinctive flavor and meaty texture. However, we live in a landlocked state and haven’t tried fresh-caught mahi mahi, so we reserve our final judgement until we’re able to access a great catch.
Ingredients in this mahi mahi recipe
A great fillet of fish makes a great recipe, and with this one make sure you’re using the best quality mahi mahi. It’s quick and easy to whip up in a pan, and it takes just 5 minutes to cook! Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
Mahi mahi, wild-caught if possibleGarlic powder and onion powderSaltButterOlive oilLemon juice and zestMinced fresh herbs, like thyme, oregano or rosemaryGarlic
Tips for how to cook it!
Mahi mahi comes together in a flash when you pan fry it, but there are just a few tips to know to make a stellar fillet. Here are a few notes on how to cook mahi mahi:
To pan fry mahi mahi, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Heat olive oil and butter (or just oil), then add the mahi mahi and cook for 2 minutes. Flip it using a fish spatula, then add lemon zest, garlic and herbs to the pan. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes, spooning the juices over the fish. Cook until the fish is tender and starts to flake when you poke it with a fork. Make sure to adjust based on the thickness of the fillets. Or, the fillet should measure 140°F when measured at the thickest point with a food thermometer.
Alternative: make baked mahi mahi
Don’t want to dirty a pan? Pan frying fish is the quickest way to cook mahi mahi, but you can also bake it! Here are instructions for what to do (using the quantities in the recipe below):
Season the fish with salt and pepper and brush it with olive oil. Bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until it flakes with a fork.Meanwhile, melt the butter on the stovetop, then add the garlic, lemon, and herbs. When the fish is finished, remove from the oven and pour the garlic herb butter over the fillets.
Sauces to add
This mahi mahi recipe tastes great as is, but it’s even better with a sauce! You can make a dipping sauce for serving, or a sauce that covers the entire fish. Here are a few to try:
Aioli: Try this Truffle Aioli as a quick and easy dipping sauce.Remoulade or tartar sauce: This Remoulade or Tartar Sauce are ideal dipping sauces for fish.Lemon dill sauce: Use this Dill Sauce as a drizzle right over the fillet.Lemon pepper sauce: Add zingy Lemon Pepper Sauce.Butter sauce: This Garlic Butter Sauce, Lemon Butter Sauce or Lemon Caper Sauce are also ideal for drizzling over fish.
Is mahi mahi a sustainable fish?
According to NOAA Fisheries (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), U.S. wild-caught mahi mahi is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations (source). Look for wild-caught mahi mahi at your local grocery fish counter.
More fish recipes
Want to cook up more great fish recipes? Here are some of our favorite collections starring seafood:
Try 25 Easy Salmon RecipesGo for 15 Cod Recipes Everyone Will LoveGrab 10 Tasty Tuna Steak RecipesOpt for 10 Tilapia Recipes Everyone Will LoveTry Grilled Halibut or Easy Baked Trout
This mahi mahi recipe is…
Gluten-free and pescatarian. 5 from 1 review
