This Grilled Mahi Mahi is one of the best ways to enjoy light fish meals, and definitely one of our best ways to cook Mahi Mahi. The flavors are so simple, yet bright, citrusy, refreshing with a kick of spice. Make this Mahi Mahi recipe today!
Do you guys remember my very first Mahi Mahi recipe? It was this Baked Mahi Mahi and it was HIT on social media! And that’s because baking mahi mahi is so easy, plus I served it with a sweet cherry salsa that was out of this world!
In that article, we talked everything about Mahi Mahi, the fish, what it is and why we LOVE it! Then we made the absolute BEST Mahi Mahi Tacos with a phenomenal Fish Taco Slaw. The truth is, Mahi Mahi is such a versatile fish, with a neutral taste and firm texture which makes it a perfect candidate for baking, tacos, grilling and more!
Why Grilled Mahi Mahi
The delicious Mahi Mahi fish is one of the most preferred types for many reasons:
- It has a really firm texture.
- Compared to Halibut –which is another firm textured fish, they’re both great options for grilling, but mahi mahi is even firmer and more ideal.
- The fish is neutral tasting, so it takes on any type of marinade, sauce, salsa and side dish you want to add on.
- It’s great for indoor or outdoor grilling, equally.
- The fish makes a great candidate for skewering as well, so you can prepare the recipe by skewering chunks of fish and grilling them.
- Once grilled, the fish is perfect with a variety of side dishes and even makes the best Mahi Mahi Tacos!
Grilled Mahi Mahi Ingredients
You basically need the fish, a spice blend and then you’re ready to grill. Once grilled you can serve it with a bright orange and avocado salad like we did here, or with any side dish of your choice.
- Salt
- Lemon Pepperv
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Chilli flakes
- and optionally, chilli flakes for spice.
- Oil for grilling–olive oil or avocado oil.
How to Grill Mahi Mahi
Once you have the fillets fresh or defrosted in the fridge to pat them dry. More info on how to buy mahi mahi and what is mahi mahi below.
You’ll first start by seasoning the fish with the spice blend above and oil. Make sure to season the fillets on both sides.
Since this is not a marinade, you don’t need to wait around. Start by preheating your grill. An indoor or outdoor grill works great here. Then place the mahi mahi on the grill.
Depending on the size of your fillets, you’ll need to wait 3-5 minutes before flipping the fish. It should have a nice golden sear and should be cooked halfway through when flipping.
At that point you’ll grill the mahi mahi for 3-5 mins more on the other side and the fish is ready as you can see above. It’s ready when you can easily flakes the fillets with a fork.
- Make Fish Tacos and Fish Taco Slaw
- With a salad like Panzanella Salad , Wedge Salad, Papaya Salad, Avocado Orange Salad with Citrus Dressing
- Pair it with Air Fryer Baked Potato or some Pan Fried Potatoes
- Spaghetti aglio e olio – Olive oil Pasta is a great lemon olive oil pasta that pairs beautifully with seafood, or Pasta Primavera.
- Make a scampi sauce like with the Shrimp Scampi.
- Serve with a variety of seafood delicacies like this MUST try Grilled Octopus, Calamari, Mussels, or Scallops.
Citrus Salad:
A simple blend of oranges (Cara Cara orange, blood orange) and grapefruit segments, avocados and arugula.
Citrus Herb Vinaigrette:
This sweet, bright and zesty vinaigrette is made by mixing herbs, minced jalapeño (optional), vinegar, olive oil and the juice from all the citrus segments in the salad. So a blend of orange and grapefruit juices sweeten the dressing, a champagne vinegar is my choice as it is mild and Mina olive oil to make the dressing.
Serve Grilled Mahi Mahi
Place the grilled succulent mahi mahi fillets over the avocado, oranges and arugula and then finish off with a generous drizzle of the vinaigrette. The sauce sweetens the fish, adds a bright citrusy note and so much more flavor!
This is such a delicious, easy and summer recipe you NEED to add on to your seafood dishes!
Mahi Mahi Recipe Tips
- If buying fresh fish, make sure it smells like the ocean. A clean smell and not a fishy one! If you’re buying frozen mahi mahi, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight.
- Cut the fillets to the size of your choice, they’re usually a little less than 1 inch thick.
- Use a simple seasoning blend as the fish is very neutral tasting, so you need to taste that as well.
- An indoor or outdoor grill work great for this recipe.
- It’s best to preheat the grill before placing the mahi mahi fillets, this helps the fish not stick to the grill.
- Flip the fish after 3-5 minutes and avoid over flipping. Just cook for 4 minutes per side on average and it’s done.
- The mahi mahi is done when it flakes with a fork easily.
What is Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi is a colorful fish named in Hawaii, it’s found in off-shore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide. The fillet of this delicious fish is firm which makes it ideal for baking, grilling, broiling and pan searing!
What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
It tastes very mild and sweet. It has more of a crab texture than a delicate fish texture (unlike the Chilean Sea Bass). For that you can simply bake it with simple seasoning, garlic and lemon slices and it will taste terrific! It doesn’t have any “fishy” or “oily” taste or feel to it.
Where to Buy Mahi Mahi?
If you’re lucky enough to live on the ocean, you can find fresh fillets of this succulent fish at your local fish departments. However, you can still buy frozen fillets at any store (even Costco). Ideally, it’s best to find wild caught fish and use that. Defrost the frozen fillets overnight in your fridge, pat dry from any moisture and proceed with the recipe.
How to Season Mahi Mahi
Since this is such a sweet mild tasting fish, I prefer not to use heavy or strong marinades. A simple spice blend and olive oil is all we like to season the fish with.
How long to Grill Mahi Mahi
If you’re using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium high heat (about 450 degrees F) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid on. Avoid over flipping the fish. Remove and serve right way.
For an indoor grill, preheat the grill pan to medium high heat and then grill the fish for 3-5 minutes per side.
Can you grill Mahi Mahi on cedar planks?
Surely you can!
TOP Seafood Recipes to try
Green Mussels , Tuna Carpaccio
How To Cook Lobster Tail and make Lobster Roll
How to Cook Scallops , Calamari with Tartar Sauce Recipe
Chili Lime Shrimp , Tuna Tartare
Grilled Mahi Mahi
This Grilled Mahi Mahi is one of the best ways to enjoy light fish meals, and definitely one of our best ways to cook Mahi Mahi. The flavors are so simple, yet bright, citrusy, refreshing with a kick of spice. Make this Mahi Mahi recipe today!
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi
- 4 mahi mahi fillets patted dry
Mahi Mahi Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Citrus Avocado Salad
- 2 oranges variety of oranges, segmented
- 1 1/2 cups Arugula or any greens of your choice
- 2 avocadoes pitted, peeled and sliced thin
Citrus Dressing
- 2 tablespoons orange juice from the oranges above
- 1 tabelspoon champagne vinegar
- 1/4 cup herbs mixture of parsley, oregano and thyme
- 1 jalapeno minced--optional
- 1/2 cup olive oil Mina olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper
Instructions
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Place the fish on a cutting board and pat dry before seasoning. This helps the fish not stick to your grill pan.
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Mix the Mahi mahi seasoning ingredients and rub it on the fish fillets on both sides.
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Preheat the grill, outdoor to 450 degrees F, and indoor to medium high.
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Place the fish in a single layer and grill for 3-5 minutes before flipping.
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Flip when the fish is golden and cooked through halfway.
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Cook for 3-5 minutes on the other side, and the grilled mahi mahi is ready when flakes off with a fork.
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Prepare the orange avocados and arugula on a serving plate. Add the fish over that.
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Mix the citrus dressing all in one bowl.
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Drizzle the dressing over the fish and salad.
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Serve right away and ENJOY
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Mahi Mahi Recipe Tips
- If buying fresh fish, make sure it smells like the ocean. A clean smell and not a fishy one! If you're buying frozen mahi mahi, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight.
- Cut the fillets to the size of your choice, they're usually a little less than 1 inch thick.
- Use a simple seasoning blend as the fish is very neutral tasting, so you need to taste that as well.
- An indoor or outdoor grill work great for this recipe.
- It's best to preheat the grill before placing the mahi mahi fillets, this helps the fish not stick to the grill.
- Flip the fish after 3-5 minutes and avoid over flipping. Just cook for 4 minutes per side on average and it’s done.
- The mahi mahi is done when it flakes with a fork easily.
I just tried the grilled mahi mahi and it turned out amazing! The seasoning was spot on and it made for a perfect light meal—I’ll definitely be making this again!
Woah! This is fantastic!
I never realised how easy it is to grill mahi-mahi! It turned out tender and juicy, and I love the spice blend. Perfect with tacos and slaw!
Looks like a lovely light, tasty meal. Love the sauce!
This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Turned out perfectly light, tender and packed with flavor; easily, a new favorite recipe!