Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Mahi Mahi with Pineapple recipe is your answer. It's a delicious dish that bursts with tropical flavors, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) Mahi Mahi fillets, skin on or off
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, diced (about ½ fresh pineapple)
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Prepare your ingredients. Dice the pineapple, slice the bell pepper and red onion, and mince the garlic. This makes the cooking process much smoother.
Cook the Mahi Mahi:
- Season the Mahi Mahi fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Mahi Mahi fillets to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking; Mahi Mahi cooks quickly.
Create the Pineapple Salsa:
- While the fish cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Add the red onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks, lime juice, and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Once the Mahi Mahi is cooked, gently place the fillets on top of the pineapple salsa.
- Let it simmer together for a minute or two, allowing the fish to absorb some of the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh pineapple significantly enhances the flavor of this dish.
- Don't Overcook the Fish: Mahi Mahi is a delicate fish and cooks quickly. Overcooked fish will be dry and tough.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the salsa for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms into the salsa for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño to the salsa.
- Different protein: Substitute the Mahi Mahi with other firm white fish like cod or snapper.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Mahi Mahi with Pineapple recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy food recipes can also be quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful meal! It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a simple yet elegant taste that's sure to impress your family and friends. Let us know in the comments how your Mahi Mahi with Pineapple turned out!