Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe for pan-seared Mahi Mahi with a homemade mango salsa is the perfect quick dinner idea, bursting with fresh, tropical flavors. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly easy to make, ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
For the Mahi Mahi:
- 2 (6-ounce) Mahi Mahi fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Mahi Mahi:
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Season the fish: Pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Sear the fish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the Mahi Mahi fillets in the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking!
Making the Mango Salsa:
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Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeños (if using), lime juice, and olive oil.
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Season to taste: Season the salsa with salt and pepper to your liking.
Serving:
- Plate and serve: Place the seared Mahi Mahi fillets on a plate and top generously with the vibrant mango salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the fish, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure even cooking and a nice crispy skin. Work in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: The best way to check if the Mahi Mahi is cooked through is to gently flake it with a fork. It should flake easily without being dry or tough.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño in the mango salsa to your preference. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can omit the jalapeños altogether.
- Make it ahead: The mango salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add some heat: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mango salsa.
- Citrus twist: Incorporate some orange segments into the mango salsa for a more complex citrus flavor.
- Avocado addition: Add diced avocado to the mango salsa for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Grilled Mahi Mahi: Instead of pan-searing, try grilling the Mahi Mahi for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. It's a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and a healthy meal the whole family will love. Enjoy!