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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Thoroughly pat mahi-mahi fillets dry using clean paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior when cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Right before removing from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillets to enhance the citrusy brightness.
- Transfer cooked mahi-mahi to serving plates and crown each fillet with a generous portion of the chilled pineapple salsa.
- 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