If you haven’t tried mahi mahi, you really need to get on that. It’s a firm, mild fish that, when cooked, is beautifully flaky and tender. It’s also super versatile—you can bake, sear, grill, or fry it and top it with any number of different sauces or dressings. Our favorite way to prep it? Cook it on the stove with some fresh asparagus, and then smother it in a lemony butter sauce.
How do I buy mahi mahi?
Mahi Mahi is often sold skinless, in pre-portioned fillets or steaks. The flesh should be firm and pinkish-beige in color. Any darker spots will taste a bit stronger and may be trimmed away. And if your mahi mahi happens to still be wearing its gorgeous gold and yellow skin, you’ll definitely want to remove that before cooking.
What if I can’t find it? If you can’t find mahi mahi but still want to make this recipe, you can substitute another firm white fish, such as cod, striped bass, or halibut. Though to be honest, if you’re buying halibut, we’d highly recommend our easy grilled halibut with mango salsa—it’s a winner.
Is it hard to cook? Not at all. This easy recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Just add the fish to the pan, cook it for a few minutes per side, and then make a super simple garlicky lemon butter sauce in the same pan. We like to cook up a little asparagus too, but it’s not necessary.
What if my fish sticks in the pan? Don’t panic. Fish can occasionally stick when you’re cooking it, but there are a few sure-fire tricks to make sure that doesn’t happen. First, pat your fish dry on both sides before you put it in the pan. Second, make sure the pan is really hot before you add the fish. You don’t want it to be smoking, but it should definitely sizzle when the fish hits the pan. Finally, let the fish cook for at least 3 minutes before you try to flip it. It will release from the pan when it’s ready, so if it’s sticking, give it another minute and then try again.
What should I serve with my fish? Anything you want. We love pairing it with some extra lemon wedges, a savory roasted green (such as asparagus or string beans) and some ultra creamy mashed potatoes.
Need more convincing? We didn’t think so. Read on for more top tips on making the mahi mahi of your dreams . . . and let us know what you think in the comments below. Looking for more delicious fish recipes? Check out more of our favorite seafood recipes here.
This recipe was updated on May 15, 2022, to include more information.
