Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a popular firm white fish with a mildly sweet flavor. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook Mahi Mahi in 3 different ways.
1. FAQs When Cooking Mahi Mahi
1.1. Should I Soak Mahi Mahi Before Cooking?
No, you don’t need to soak mahi mahi fillets before cooking. The flesh is firm enough that soaking is not required. Simply pat the fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
1.2. What Fish Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
Mahi mahi has a mild, sweet flavor similar to cod or halibut. It has a medium-firm texture and large, moist flakes when cooked properly. The flesh ranges from white to pink or orange. Mahi can hold up to bold seasonings and pairs well with citrus, garlic, herbs, butter and tropical fruit flavors.
1.3. How To Know When Mahi Mahi is Done?
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twisting gently. When cooked through, the flesh will begin flaking and come away easily from the fork. The interior should be opaque and firm, not translucent. Mahi mahi is typically cooked to 145°F internal temperature. Take care not to overcook, as the flesh can become dry and stringy.
2. How To Cook Mahi Mahi on Stove ( Pan-Seared Recipe )
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce mahi mahi fillets, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Pat mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add fillets skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
Flip fillets and cook 2-3 minutes on the other side until fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
Transfer fish to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the pan. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over cooked mahi mahi fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
3. How To Cook Mahi Mahi in Oven ( Baked Recipe )
Ingredients
- 4 Mahi Mahi fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Place the Mahi Mahi fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a spice mixture.
Brush the spice mixture generously over the top and sides of each Mahi Mahi fillet, coating them evenly.
Place a few lemon slices on top of each fillet for added flavor.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Once the Mahi Mahi fillets are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the oven-baked Mahi Mahi fillets hot, garnished with fresh parsley. The fish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
4. How To Cook Mahi Mahi in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir well to create a spice blend.
Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of each fillet, pressing it gently to adhere.
Place the seasoned mahi mahi fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the efficiency of your air fryer.
Once the mahi mahi fillets are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the air-fried mahi mahi fillets hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
With simple preparations, mahi mahi makes for a healthy and satisfying seafood meal. I hope that after reading this article, you know how to cook mahi mahi perfectly at home.
