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Easy Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe – simple and delicious way to prepare white fish. Served with grilled asparagus or other vegetables of your choice.
I’ve had the idea to grill some white fish for a few weeks now.
While most types of white fish are pretty easy to pan sear or cook in the oven, there are certain kinds that work best for grilling.
Grilling season is one of my favorite times of the year, this is why I just love it!
I grill meat, fish, veggies and even fruits, so that we enjoy some fresh, good quality and flavorful meals.
It is so easy and grilled food flavors are amazing!
What is Mahi Mahi, where does it come from?
Mahi Mahi is surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide.
What does grilled Mahi Mahi taste like?
Mahi Mahi fish is a white fish, that has a distinctive taste, but it is not a strong, fishy one!
It is sweet and juicy, its meat has more a crab like texture, meaning that the meat is firm and tastes great with lemon juice on.
The fact that this fish takes well on flavors and seasonings and stays firm during and after it is cooked makes it perfect for grilling.
Where to buy Mahi Mahi ?
If you live by the Atlantic Ocean (I’m pretty far from it) you may be able to find it at the local fish market or the store.
Wild caught, never frozen Mahi Mahi fish.
I in the Mid West, you can purchase wild caught frozen Mahi Mahi fillets and grill them.
Most of the time I get my Mahi Mahi at Costco. It is frozen.
How to season this fish for grilling?
This is an easy one!
All you can do is brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
This is if you’d like to keep things simple.
I decided to season the fish in this grilled Mahi Mahi recipe with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic and onion powder.
You can add a pinch of Cayenne pepper.
Almost like blackened seasoning.
Lemon pepper will be a great seasoning for grilled Mahi Mahi.
How long to grill Mahi ?
You need to preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (450F).
Season the fish with the desired seasoning and brush with olive oil.
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
Or until it gets grill marks that are nice golden color and the flesh appears set.
This fish really does not require a lot of cooking time.
If you overcook it, it will turn dry and rubbery.
What if you decide to make this Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe on the stove top?
The same rule for cooking time applies if you don’t have a grill or just don’t want to grill the fish.
I’ve cooked Mahi Mahi in a pan on the stove top many times.
A non stick pan works.
A cast iron skillet also works. Just make sure the bottom is covered with olive oil so the fish does not stick.
Cook Mahi Mahi on the stove top for 3-4 minutes per side, as it cooks even quicker that on the grill.
Drizzle with lemon juice, while the fish is still hot, it absorbs the flavor and acidity best!
Mahi on cedar planks?
You sure can! Just make sure they are moist.
I personally am not a huge fan of fish on cedar planks…
What is a good side dish?
- A side salad of your choice
- Potatoes
- Grilled or steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and squash
- Boiled corn
- Grilled asparagus (I have a recipe for these here)
What kind of wine to pair with?
Mahi Mahi has a delicate flavor, so the wine chosen shouldn’t overwhelm with its flavor.
Light and fruity white wines pair well with this grilled Mahi Mahi recipe.
Vinho Verde Estreia, with its light and floral, fruity nuances was the perfect choice for this grilled fish 4th of July meal.
Such an easy, effortless restaurant quality meal paired with an excellent quality wine.
Easy Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 wild caught Mahi Mahi fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika, smoked could be used
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- a pinch Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl combine the spices.
- Brush Mahi Mahi Fillets with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with the seasoning on both sides of the fish.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden.Drizzle with lemon juice. Serve.
Notes
- What to serve with? Serve with vegetables or salad of your choice.
- Pair with White Wine.
- How to prevent Mahi Mahi fish from sticking to the grill? The grill should be cleaned very well, grates should not have anything on them and should be greased with vegetable oil. The grill should be preheated to medium/medium-high heat. Temperature that is too low or high might cause the fish to stick or burn.
- How long should the fish be grilled? Grill Mahi Mahi for 4-5 minutes per side to an internal temperature of 140 F and a nice light golden crust.
- Can frozen Mahi Mahi be used? Yes, this recipe works for frozen fish.Just make sure you defrost it in the fridge overnight.
- How to tell when the filets are cooked? Mahi mahi fishis fully cooked when it turns opaque and flakes with a fork.
- Use a nice and large grilling spatula to make sure the filets stay hole during flipping them on the grill.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve used this recipe a few times now and it always turns out excellent. When I make it, though, I mix all the ingredients in a plastic bag and marinate the fish for a half hour before cooking. Delicious! Thanks!
We made this last night while camping… So good! I had mahi mahi-mahi and used the same ingredients for my husband’s tuna. I think will become a once a week thing this summer! Wish I could share a picture, it looked so good.