Dive into a culinary delight with our Mahi Mahi with Lemon Butter and Tomatoes—a dish that promises to elevate your dinner experience! This vibrant seafood recipe combines the rich flavors of buttery mahi mahi with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, this dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes! Ready to impress your guests and tantalize your palate? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the mahi mahi fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and start to foam.
- Carefully place the seasoned mahi mahi fillets into the hot pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a warm plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in fresh lemon juice and remaining butter, swirling the pan to create a light sauce.
- Return the mahi mahi fillets to the pan, spooning the lemon butter and tomato sauce over the fish to reheat and coat.
- Plate the mahi mahi fillets, garnishing with the tomatoes and drizzling the remaining lemon butter sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil for added brightness and color.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Always pat your mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels before cooking. This simple step helps achieve a beautifully seared crust instead of steaming the fish.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A generous seasoning on both sides of the fillets enhances the flavor and elevates the dish.
- Master the Heat: Use medium-high heat when cooking the fish. This ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the cooking time—3-4 minutes on one side and 2-3 minutes on the other should do the trick. The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Sauté with Care: When adding garlic to the pan, sauté it for just 30 seconds to avoid burning. This will keep the garlic flavorful without turning bitter.
- Swirl for Sauce: After adding the lemon juice and remaining butter, swirl the pan to create a light, cohesive sauce that beautifully coats the fish.
- Garnish for Flair: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 182kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
