Tangy Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Tropical Pineapple Salsa Recipe

The rich, oceanic flavors of pan-seared mahi-mahi create an instant tropical escape on your plate.

Marine waters near Florida produce some of the most incredible fish for this delectable dish.

Delicate white flesh combines perfectly with bright, zesty pineapple salsa that adds a vibrant punch of sweetness.

Crisp edges and tender center make this fish an absolute delight for seafood enthusiasts.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between smoky charred exterior and succulent interior.

Caribbean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels like a mini vacation.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this delightful culinary adventure.

Why Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Feels So Tropical

• Savor Quick Tropical Flavors: This mahi-mahi recipe delivers a burst of tropical taste in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous culinary adventures.
• Master Effortless Gourmet Cooking: The simple searing technique allows home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking skills, creating a professional-looking dish that impresses family and guests.
• Celebrate Healthy Protein Delight: Mahi-mahi provides a lean protein packed with nutrients, while the fresh pineapple salsa adds vitamins and a zesty kick, making this meal both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
• Embrace Versatile Meal Potential: Easy to customize with different sides or spice levels, this recipe works wonderfully for date nights, summer gatherings, or quick family meals without complex preparation steps.

What You’ll Need For Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit with bright acidity that creates vibrant salsa.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and colorful crunch to the salsa.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of pineapple.
• Jalapeno: Provides mild heat and spicy undertone to the salsa.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings herbal brightness and traditional Mexican flavor.
• Lime: Adds zesty citrus tang and helps balance overall dish flavors.

• Mahi-Mahi: Firm white fish with mild, sweet flavor perfect for searing.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing all other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to fish seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic and savory background notes.
• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet undertone to fish rub.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds complexity to fish seasoning.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden brown crust and rich flavor for fish searing.

• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to balance salsa's acidity (optional ingredient).

How To Cook Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

Step 1: Craft Vibrant Salsa

• Dice fresh pineapple
• Mince red bell pepper
• Chop red onion
• Finely slice jalapeno
• Roughly chop cilantro

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Splash with lime juice, drizzle honey, and sprinkle salt. Gently toss and chill in refrigerator to let flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare Succulent Fish

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Ground cumin

Generously coat both sides of fish with spice mixture. Heat skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Gently place fillets and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Fish is ready when internal temperature reaches 137°F. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over cooked fillets.

Step 3: Create Delightful Plate

Transfer seared mahi-mahi to serving plates. Crown each fillet with generous helping of chilled salsa. Accompany with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete tropical meal.

Tips For Juicy Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Dry Fish Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from mahi-mahi, ensuring a crispy golden-brown sear and preventing soggy fish.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity in salsa based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Check Doneness Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to verify fish is cooked perfectly at 137°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices like cumin and paprika in a dry pan before seasoning to intensify their aromatic qualities and bring out richer taste profiles.
• Make Ahead Smartly: Prepare pineapple salsa up to 4 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop more complex taste while keeping ingredients fresh.

Top Pairings With Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay complement the bright pineapple salsa and delicate fish, cutting through the richness with refreshing citrus notes.
• Match with Zesty Cocktail: A fresh mojito or pineapple margarita enhances the tropical flavors, with rum or tequila providing a smooth backdrop to the mahi-mahi's mild taste.
• Create Balanced Side Dish: Coconut rice or cilantro-lime quinoa mirror the recipe's tropical essence, absorbing the salsa's juices and providing a creamy counterpoint to the seared fish.
• Recommend Crisp Beer Pairing: Light Mexican lager or wheat beer with hints of citrus work perfectly, offering a clean, refreshing contrast to the fish's seasoned crust and tangy salsa.

Easy Flavor Twists On Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Tropical Coconut Mahi-Mahi: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut to the spice rub. Swap lime juice for coconut water in the salsa for an enhanced island-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Caribbean Fusion: Incorporate scotch bonnet peppers into the salsa for intense heat. Blend rum into the seasoning mix and add a splash of orange juice to the fish for a vibrant Caribbean-style preparation.
• Herb Garden Mahi-Mahi: Mix fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano into the fish seasoning. Create a herb-infused pineapple salsa by finely chopping additional green herbs and mixing them throughout the original recipe.
• Mediterranean-Style Transformation: Replace pineapple with diced cucumber and tomatoes. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the salsa. Season fish with za'atar spice blend instead of traditional spices for a Mediterranean twist.

FAQs For Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Is mahi-mahi a healthy fish to eat?

Absolutely! Mahi-mahi is a lean protein packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. It’s low in calories and provides a delicious, heart-healthy option for seafood lovers.

• Can I substitute mahi-mahi with another type of fish?

Yes, you can! Halibut, cod, or sea bass work great as alternatives. Just ensure the fish is fresh and has a similar thickness to maintain the cooking time and texture.

• How spicy will the pineapple salsa be?

The salsa has a mild kick from the jalapeño. If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the jalapeño seeds or use less. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste preferences.

• What if I don't have all the spices for seasoning the fish?

No worries! A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will still create a delicious flavor. The key is to ensure the fish is well-seasoned and cooked to a golden brown.

Best Way To Store Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Wrap leftover mahi-mahi tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container before refrigerating.
• Fresh fish stays delicious for 1-2 days when stored properly in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Separate the pineapple salsa from the fish to maintain its crisp texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Gently reheat the fish in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F to preserve its delicate moisture and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish tough and dry.

Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mahi-Mahi dances with zesty pineapple salsa, creating a tropical symphony of flavors that whisks diners straight to coastal paradise. Crisp fish meets sweet-tangy salsa, promising a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 mahi-mahi fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasoning Blend:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Fats and Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant pineapple salsa by dicing fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño into uniform small cubes. Finely chop fresh cilantro and mix all ingredients in a glass bowl.
2. Drizzle lime juice and honey over the salsa, sprinkle a delicate pinch of salt, and gently toss to distribute flavors evenly. Cover and refrigerate to allow ingredients to marinate and meld together.
3. Thoroughly pat mahi-mahi fillets dry using clean paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior when cooking.
4. Create a robust spice blend by mixing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Generously coat both sides of the fish with the seasoning mixture.
5. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a combination of olive oil and butter, allowing it to heat until shimmering and fragrant.
6. Carefully place seasoned mahi-mahi fillets into the hot skillet, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and fish reaches an internal temperature of 137°F.
7. Right before removing from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillets to enhance the citrusy brightness.
8. Transfer cooked mahi-mahi to serving plates and crown each fillet with a generous portion of the chilled pineapple salsa.
9. Accompany the dish with complementary sides like fluffy rice, protein-rich quinoa, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

• Choose fresh, ripe pineapple for the salsa to ensure a vibrant, sweet-tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
• Let the mahi-mahi come to room temperature before cooking to guarantee even searing and prevent overcooking the delicate fish.
• Pat the fish completely dry with paper towels to achieve a golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and creates a delightful crispy exterior.
• Adjust the jalapeno quantity based on your spice tolerance, removing seeds for a milder salsa or adding extra for more heat.
• Swap mahi-mahi with other firm white fish like halibut or cod if unavailable, maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Prepare the salsa ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and intensify, making the dish even more delicious.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the best sear and even heat distribution when cooking the fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg