Experience the delightful flavors of the ocean with this simple yet delicious grilled mahi mahi recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish brings out the natural taste of the fish with minimal seasoning and a touch of fresh lemon juice.
Mahi mahi is a type of fish that might not be as commonly found in every household as other types of fish like salmon or tilapia. When heading to the supermarket, look for fresh or frozen mahi mahi fillets in the seafood section. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also essential for this recipe, so make sure to pick up a couple of lemons if you don't have them at home.

Ingredients For Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
Mahi mahi: A firm, white fish that is mild in flavor and perfect for grilling.
Olive oil: Used to brush the fish, helping to keep it moist and adding a subtle richness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy finish to the grilled fish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When grilling mahi mahi, ensure the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent the fish from sticking. Use a paper towel dipped in olive oil and tongs to carefully coat the grates before placing the fillets. This not only helps in achieving those beautiful grill marks but also makes flipping the fish easier. Additionally, let the fish sit undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a nice crust, which will naturally release from the grill when ready to flip.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mahi mahi - Substitute with halibut: Halibut has a similar firm texture and mild flavor, making it an excellent alternative for grilling.
mahi mahi - Substitute with cod: Cod is another white fish with a slightly flaky texture that works well on the grill.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point and a light, clean taste, perfect for grilling fish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor but works similarly in seasoning.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and can be easier to control when seasoning.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used in place of black pepper.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity and a subtle fruity flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes to Try
How To Store / Freeze Your Dish
Allow the mahi mahi fillets to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
Place the cooled fillets in an airtight container. If you have multiple fillets, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the fish within 2-3 days. For longer storage, proceed to freezing.
To freeze, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This extra layer of protection helps maintain the fish's texture and flavor.
Place the wrapped fillets in a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the freezer bag with the date and type of fish. This will help you keep track of how long the grilled mahi mahi has been stored.
Store the bag in the coldest part of your freezer. The fish can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to use, thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Reheat the mahi mahi gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.
Serve with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors. Pair with your favorite vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the mahi mahi fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the fillets with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is warmed through. This method helps maintain the fish's texture and flavor.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the mahi mahi fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is heated through. This method is quick and helps keep the fish moist.
Microwave Method: Place the mahi mahi fillets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method is the fastest but may slightly alter the texture of the fish.
Steaming Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring to a simmer. Place the mahi mahi fillets in a steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the fish is heated through. This gentle method helps retain the fish's moisture and delicate flavor.
Sous Vide Method: Preheat your sous vide machine to 130°F (54°C). Place the mahi mahi fillets in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 20-30 minutes. This method ensures even reheating and preserves the fish's texture perfectly.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Grill: Used to cook the mahi mahi fillets, providing a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Grill brush: Essential for cleaning the grill grates before cooking to ensure the fish doesn't stick.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the fillets on the grill without breaking them apart.
Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil onto the mahi mahi fillets for even coating.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Lemon squeezer: Helps to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently without seeds.
Fish spatula: Designed to easily slide under delicate fish fillets for flipping and removing from the grill.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to prepare and season the fish fillets.
Knife: Used for slicing the lemon and any other prep work needed.
Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the grilled mahi mahi fillets once they are cooked.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the mahi mahi fillets to save time.
Marinate in advance: Brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper the night before.
Use a timer: Set a timer for 4-5 minutes per side to ensure the fish cooks perfectly without constant checking.
Prepare sides early: Have your side dishes ready before you start grilling to streamline the process.
Lemon juice ready: Squeeze the lemon juice in advance and keep it in a small bowl for quick drizzling.

Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Mahi Mahi about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the Mahi Mahi fillets with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Place the fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the grill and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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