Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy mahi mahi recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner. Pan-seared mahi mahi is served with a brown butter garlic sauce and finished with a bright avocado-tomato salsa for a flavorful, healthy meal the whole family will enjoy.
Fresh, simple, and satisfying, this pan-seared mahi mahi pairs a nutty brown butter sauce with a zesty avocado salsa. It’s quick to make, uses just one skillet, and is elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.
If you like this, also consider my other seafood recipes such as Mahi Mahi with Roasted Pepper Butter Sauce and Honey Sriracha Salmon.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked mostly in one pan for minimal cleanup.
- Healthy: Made with fresh fish and a vibrant avocado-tomato salsa for a nutritious meal.
- Full of flavor: The brown butter garlic sauce adds depth while the salsa brings brightness and texture.
Tools you need
- Mixing bowls
- Lemon or lime squeezer
- 10-inch skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
Ingredients for Mahi Mahi with Sauce
- Mahi mahi: A firm, flaky white fish that takes on flavors well.
- Butter: Gently browned to develop a nutty, rich flavor for the sauce.
- Sauce seasonings: Fresh lime juice, garlic and a touch of honey for sweetness and balance.
- Avocado salsa: Diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice and cilantro for freshness.
How To Make This Mahi Mahi Recipe
Avocado salsa
- Combine diced avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, lime juice, chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir gently and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Pan-seared mahi mahi
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat fish dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear mahi mahi 4–5 minutes per side until golden and the thickest part reaches about 135°F. Remove to a plate.
Brown butter garlic sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons butter and swirl occasionally until it becomes fragrant and light golden brown. Remove from heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Return the fish to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each fillet to coat.
- Top with the avocado salsa and serve immediately while warm.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips For The Best Mahi Mahi
- Pat fillets dry before seasoning to encourage a golden sear instead of steaming.
- Watch the butter closely; remove it from the heat when it’s a light golden brown to avoid a bitter, burnt flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness — the thickest part should read around 135°F.
What to Serve With It
This mahi mahi is versatile and pairs well with simple vegetable or starch sides. Try it with roasted zucchini, steamed rice, potato salad, or sautéed green beans and mushrooms for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Other white fish such as cod work well, and you can also use salmon or tuna if you prefer. Mahi mahi’s mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs especially nicely with the brown butter and salsa.
Searing in a hot skillet gives a golden exterior while keeping the inside moist. Pat the fillets dry, make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish, and avoid overcooking — a few minutes per side is usually enough.
More Fish Recipes
- Crispy Fish Sticks
- Fish Cakes with Jalapeño Remoulade
- Maple Mustard Salmon
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad
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Mahi Mahi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 4 mahi mahi fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Brown Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Avocado Salsa:
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ red onion, chopped
- Juice from 2 limes
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions
Avocado salsa:
- Mix avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, cilantro and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Pan-seared mahi mahi:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season fillets with salt and pepper and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Brown butter garlic sauce:
- Melt butter in the same skillet and swirl until it turns light brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in lime juice, garlic, honey, salt and pepper.
- Return fish to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Top with avocado salsa and serve warm.
Notes
- Pat fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
- Remove butter from heat when it reaches a light golden brown to avoid bitterness.
- An instant-read thermometer should read about 135°F at the thickest part of the fillet.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.