Description
This Mahi Mahi recipe features perfectly pan-seared fillets topped with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce, enhanced by fresh parsley and optional capers. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful, healthy seafood dish that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi Fillets
- 4 (4-6 ounce) Mahi Mahi fillets
- Salt (to season)
- Lemon pepper (to season)
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- 1 lemon (juiced, approx. 4 tablespoons)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained, optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
Instructions
- Season the mahi mahi: Gently pat each mahi mahi fillet dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides of each fillet with salt and lemon pepper. Set aside to allow the seasoning to settle.
- Prepare the ingredients for the lemon garlic sauce: Thinly slice one lemon and juice the other to yield approximately 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mince the garlic cloves and keep them ready for cooking the sauce.
- Pan sear the mahi mahi: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the fillets carefully and sear undisturbed until nicely golden brown on the bottom and sides are cooked about halfway up the fillets—approximately 4 minutes depending on thickness. Flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 2-4 minutes until the fish is just cooked through (internal temperature 137°F). Remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and lemon slices, heating until the butter starts to bubble. Stir in the minced garlic, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic turns lightly golden. Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and drained capers if using.
- Combine and serve: Spoon the warm lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the cooked mahi mahi fillets and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook the fish to maintain its moist and flaky texture.
- Capers add a nice tangy flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use fresh lemon for optimal bright citrus flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before cooking.
- The internal temperature for mahi mahi should reach 137°F for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
