Mahi Mahi fish is a tropical delight, but what makes it so special? It’s the flavor of mahi mahi that sets it apart, so find out more about this delicious food and how to cook it!
Treat yourself to a taste of island life with some delicious mahi mahi! This succulent fish is synonymous with breezy tropical living, but what is the flavor of this special fish really like? Explore the bounty of the ocean with this depth look at mahi mahi fish’s flavor and how to handle it with ease!
What Does Mahi Mahi Fish Taste Like?
Mahi Mahi is popular around the world and with one bite of this richly flavored fish, you will understand! Mahi mahi has a totally unique and bold flavor. Mahi fish tastes briny, delicate, and sweet. Some people compare it to halibut.
We eat with our eyes and mahi is a feast for the eyes. It has beautiful pinkish flesh and a satisfying texture. Mahi mahi has a thick and firm texture but it still makes large flakes when cooked.
Thanks to its hearty texture mahi mahi fish are often grilled, pan-fried, or even boiled. It can be enjoyed as sashimi but, for food safety reasons, that preparation is best left to professional sushi chefs.
What is Mahi Mahi Fish?
Some know this fish by the name ‘dolphinfish’ or ‘dorado’ but by any name Mahi Mahi fish is simply delicious! This tasty variety of fish loves the warm waters around the Gulf of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. They are fished commercially and for sport.
Mahi mahi is a medium to large fish. It has blue to green scales, pink flesh, and a firm texture. It can be enjoyed cooked or raw and is a common inclusion in Hawaiian and Caribbean cuisines.
This tasty fish is delicious when grilled, pan-fried or seared, or even slow-roasted in the oven. No matter how you cook this beautiful fish it always tastes wonderfully sweet and fishy!
Why Eat Mahi Mahi Fish?
Mahi mahi has been enjoyed by people for centuries. Anglers love this fish as a prize and for its delicious flavor. There’s more to this tasty seafood than just looks and delicious flavor, there are also some health benefits in this rich tasty fish.
Mahi is low in fat but high in protein so it’s a nice lean meat. It’s high in healthy HDL cholesterol, iron, and potassium. This fish has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to help boost your body’s functionality.
Like all fish, mahi has mercury in low levels and should not be consumed during pregnancy.
Overall, if you want a delicious fishy flavor with plenty of healthy attributes then mahi is an excellent choice!
What to Pair with Mahi Mahi Fish
Mahi mahi is synonymous with island living so making the right match for this fish is all about staying true to fresh and tropical flavors. With the right sides, this gorgeous fish can be a true showstopper!
Serve mahi mahi with a beautiful warm vegetable medley using summer squash. Alternatively, try a fresh green salad with your favorite fixings. For a grain side dish, try beans and rice or fluffy cilantro-infused rice.
Choosing the right beverage for this decadent fish is key to a perfect meal. Pinot grigio is a great wine for mahi or go dark with a beer like a porter with this rich meaty fish. For a non-alcoholic drink with your mahi, try pineapple juice mixed with fresh strawberries.
How to Shop for Mahi Mahi Fish
Sport fishers will spend their whole lives hooking these delicious fish, but you don’t need to be an angler to catch this flavor.
Mahi is best when enjoyed at peak freshness, so try to buy it fresh and not frozen. If you live near the ocean, you might have a great fish market near you and this is the best place to start. If not, try your local butcher shop or the grocery store’s seafood counter.
Fresh mahi should have a fishy, but not unpleasant smell, bright-colored flesh and scales, and a dense texture.
Notes on This Mahi Mahi Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- Mahi Mahi Fillets – Look for fresh mahi mahi at your local grocery store’s seafood department or a local butcher/fish market. Avoid frozen mahi mahi when possible. Fresh fish always has a more authentic and delicious savor!
- Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper – Sea salt is an excellent more natural form of sodium that works very well for seasoning mahi mahi and pepper adds a nice zest to the fish. Use a mix of white and black pepper if possible and fine-grain sea salt.
- Lemon – Choose a large to extra-large lemon for this recipe. You will need a fresh lemon because this recipe calls for both slices and the juice of half a lemon.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is a nice lean cooking fat to cook the mahi mahi.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is the best choice, but frozen and jarred are both excellent substitutes.
- Butter – Cold butter is great for adding a lovely creamy finish to this fishy meal.
Expert Tips
- Pair this mahi mahi with rice that has been steamed with butter and cilantro for a light and beachy meal.
- Use cold butter so it does not brown too quickly in this sauce.
Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi Fish Recipe
Ingredients
4 Mahi Mahi Fillets
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
¼ Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
1 Large Lemon, Halved
1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
3 Tablespoons Butter
Directions
- Generously season the mahi mahi fillets with salt and pepper.
- Slice half the lemon into even slices and juice the other half. Set the juice aside.
- Place a large cast iron or heavy bottom steel skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
- Place the fillets directly into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side and then remove them from the pan.
- Lower the heat on the pan to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt and then add the sliced lemon, garlic, and lemon juice. Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes or until beautifully golden brown and aromatic.
