Imagine transporting your taste buds to the pristine shores of Hawaii with a single, perfectly seared bite of Mahi Mahi that melts in your mouth like ocean-kissed butter! This legendary recipe from the iconic Mama's Fish House captures the essence of Hawaiian coastal cuisine, promising a dining experience that's both elegant and explosively flavorful. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or a home cook looking to elevate your culinary skills, this Mahi Mahi recipe will transform your kitchen into a tropical restaurant, delivering restaurant-quality seafood that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Mahi Mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Remove Mahi Mahi fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden sear.
- Season both sides of the Mahi Mahi fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned Mahi Mahi fillets into the hot pan, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook the fillets for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form without moving the fish.
- Gently flip the fillets using a wide spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets during the last minute of cooking to add brightness and enhance the fish's natural flavors.
- Remove the Mahi Mahi from the pan and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives before serving hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your Mahi Mahi fillets sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture Management: Pat the fish completely dry with paper towels to achieve that coveted golden-brown sear without steaming.
- Oil Selection: Use a high-quality olive oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning and add subtle flavor.
- Pan Perfection: Choose a heavy-bottomed non-stick or cast-iron skillet for optimal heat control and beautiful browning.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook fillets in batches if necessary to maintain high pan temperature and prevent steaming.
- Timing Matters: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes maximum to prevent drying out the delicate fish.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh herbs and lemon juice to brighten the dish and complement the fish's natural flavors.
- Resting Period: Allow the fish to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 388kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
