Zesty Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Summers call for vibrant, fresh seafood dishes that burst with tropical mahi-mahi with pineapple salsa flavors.

Crisp ocean catches meet sweet, zesty fruit in this delightful culinary creation.

The light fish pairs perfectly with the bright, chunky salsa, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through refreshing ingredients that dance on your palate.

Succulent mahi-mahi transforms into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and maximum impact.

The recipe delivers a quick, nutritious dinner that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Prepare to be whisked away to a beachside paradise with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Pineapple: Brings bright, sweet tropical essence with juicy texture perfect for summer freshness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crisp crunch and vibrant color with subtle sweetness.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, zesty bite and beautiful purple-red contrast.
• Jalapeno: Delivers subtle heat and authentic spicy undertone.
• Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbal notes with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Lime: Adds tangy acidity that balances and elevates other ingredients.
• Honey: Optional natural sweetener to soften salsa's sharp edges.

• Mahi-Mahi: Firm, mild white fish with delicate oceanic flavor and lean protein.
• Salt: Enhances natural fish taste and tenderizes protein.
• Black Pepper: Creates warm, aromatic spiciness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Introduces gentle smokiness and beautiful reddish color.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, warm undertone with subtle complexity.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment with heart-healthy properties.
• Butter: Adds rich, golden color and luxurious flavor to fish surface.

Tools To Sear Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Large skillet: Essential for searing fish with even, golden-brown results.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping pineapple, peppers, and herbs for salsa.
• Sharp knife: Needed to precisely dice ingredients for fresh salsa.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining salsa ingredients and tossing evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season fish with spices.
• Paper towels: Crucial for drying fish before seasoning to ensure crispy sear.
• Tongs: Ideal for carefully flipping delicate fish fillets in the skillet.
• Lime squeezer (optional): Makes extracting fresh lime juice easier.

Steps To Make Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Bright

• Create Vibrant Pineapple Salsa

Chop fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño into tiny cubes. Toss with chopped cilantro, splash of lime juice, and a hint of honey. Mix everything gently and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator while preparing the fish.

• Elevate the Mahi-Mahi

Blot fish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle with a zesty blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter until sizzling. Sear fish for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust. Check doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily and reaches 137F internal temperature. Finish with a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice.

• Plate and Delight

Crown each perfectly cooked fish fillet with a generous heap of tropical pineapple salsa. Serve alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or colorful roasted vegetables for a meal that bursts with flavor and freshness.

Tips To Pair Flavors In Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa

• Quick Fish Searing Technique: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding fish to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the delicate mahi-mahi.
• Make-Ahead Salsa Magic: Prepare the pineapple salsa up to 4 hours in advance to let flavors meld and intensify, creating a more vibrant topping.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just double-check seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients are used.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice or roasted zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carb meal option.
• Protein Swap Potential: Easily substitute mahi-mahi with other firm white fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

Serve Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa With Style

• Tropical Beach Plate: Serve on a large platter with coconut rice and garnish with extra cilantro for a vibrant, vacation-inspired presentation.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the mahi-mahi over mixed greens, top with pineapple salsa, and drizzle with a light citrus vinaigrette for a nutritious meal.
• Taco Night Twist: Break the fish into chunks, wrap in warm corn tortillas, and add pineapple salsa for a zesty seafood taco experience that's bursting with flavor.
• Summer Dinner Party Plating: Create an elegant dish by placing the golden-seared mahi-mahi on a white plate, artfully arranging the bright pineapple salsa, and adding a small herb garnish for sophistication.

Store Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Neatly

• Quick Chill Method: Refrigerate pineapple salsa for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and create a refreshing topping that complements the warm fish perfectly.
• Fridge Storage Strategy: Store leftover mahi-mahi and salsa separately in airtight containers. Fish stays good for 1-2 days, while salsa maintains freshness up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap cooked fish tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Mahi-mahi freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
• Salsa Repurpose Trick: Transform remaining pineapple salsa into a zesty topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or as a vibrant dip with tortilla chips for an extra meal variation.

Tangy Mahi-Mahi With Pineapple Salsa Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pan-seared mahi-mahi with pineapple salsa delivers a tropical flavor explosion from Caribbean kitchens. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 fillets mahi-mahi (6 oz/170 g each)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup pineapple, fresh, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, red, diced
• ¼ cup onion, red, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, small, seeded and minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
• 2 limes, juice of
• ½ tsp honey (optional)
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Salsa Preparation: Dice pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño into uniform small cubes. Finely chop cilantro and combine all ingredients in a glass bowl, drizzling with lime juice and honey. Sprinkle salt, toss gently, and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
2. Fish Preparation: Pat mahi-mahi fillets dry with paper towels. Create a spice blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Thoroughly coat fish with the seasoning mixture.
3. Cooking Process: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned fillets in the skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 137°F. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the fillets.
4. Serving: Transfer mahi-mahi to serving plates, topping each fillet with a generous portion of chilled pineapple salsa. Serve alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

• Maximize Moisture: Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in natural juices.
• Select Supreme Seafood: Choose fresh, high-quality mahi-mahi with firm, translucent flesh and minimal fishy odor for the best flavor and texture profile.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect sear without overcooking, keeping fish tender and flaky.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify jalapeño quantity in salsa to control heat intensity, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for spice enthusiasts.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg