Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe (SCD, Paleo, Whole30) (2024)

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This Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe with Strawberry Mint Salsa is a quick and simple dinner that cooks in under 10 minutes!This incredibly flavorful seafood dish is a healthy dinner or lunch that is SCD, Paleo, low carb, Whole30, low calorie, gluten free, grain free, soy free, and dairy free!

Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe (SCD, Paleo, Whole30) (1)

I try to make fish for dinner at least once a week.

It's typically a quick meal, which makes it ideal for those evenings when I'm in a rush to get something on the table.

The fish is flavored with a dry rub of warm, earthy spices and then topped with a refreshing strawberry mint salsa. Such a yummy combo!

This easy pan seared mahi mahi recipe is a go-to meal during spring and summer!

Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe (SCD, Paleo, Whole30) (2)

Dry Rub Ingredients

The seasoning for the fish is just five ingredients! The paprika and chili powder add incredible flavor without any heat. If you do want some spice, try adding some red pepper flakes!

  • paprika
  • fine sea salt
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • dried oregano
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Add the spices and herbs in a small bowl and stir until well combined.

I typically make a big batch of this seasoning and keep it in my pantry since it's also delicious on chicken!

TIP:

Rubbing dried oregano between the palms of your hands helps bring out the natural oils of the herb and enhances its flavor.

How to make the strawberry mint salsa

This strawberry mint salsa comes together so quickly!

It can be made the day before and stored covered in the fridge or it can quickly be made while the mahi mahi is cooking!

Begin by dicing strawberries and red onion (photo 1). Add them to a bowl along with fine sea salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and fresh lemon juice (photo 2).

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Roughly chop the mint leaves and add them to the bowl. Stir the salsa well and set aside until it's time to top the fish (photo 3).

How to pan sear mahi mahi

Use a paper towel to gently pat dry both sides of the fish fillets, then take the seasoning mixture and rub it into both sides of the fish.

Pour olive oil into a large frying pan (don't use a non-stick pan) and tilt the pan until the oil has evenly coated the bottom.

Set the pan over medium heat.

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Once the oil is hot, add the mahi mahi fillets. There should be an audible sizzle when it hits the pan.

After about three to five minutes, give the pan a little shake. If the fish move, they're ready to be flipped.

Cook on the other side for an additional three to five minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 145F.

Remove the pan from the heat and top the fish with the strawberry mint salsa!

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TIPS:

  • To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small bead of water into the pan. If it sizzles, it's time to add the fish.
  • Allow the fish to cook undisturbed.
  • If the mahi mahi is stuck to the pan, allow it to keep cooking. It will release once it's cooked properly.

Sides to serve with the pan seared mahi mahi

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Looking for more easy meal ides? Try these!

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NOTE: If following the SCD diet, I suggest contacting the company to verify ingredients before using any prepackaged products.

Recipe

Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe (SCD, Paleo, Whole30) (8)

Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe

by: Jennifer Brown

This Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe with Strawberry Mint Salsa is a quick and simple dinner that cooks in under 10 minutes!This incredibly flavorful seafood dish is a healthy dinner or lunch that is SCD, Paleo, low carb, Whole30, keto, low calorie, gluten free, grain free, soy free, and dairy free!

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 269 kcal

Equipment

  • two mixing bowls

  • knife

  • cutting board

  • large fry pan

  • metal spatula

Ingredients

Strawberry Mint Salsa

  • 2 cups diced strawberries
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped mint leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Mahi Mahi

  • 2 pounds Mahi Mahi fillets
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Strawberry Mint Salsa

  • Combine all ingredients for the salsa in a bowl and set aside.

Mahi Mahi

  • In a small bowl stir together the paprika, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

  • Use a paper towel to pat both sides of the fish dry. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the fillets.

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place the mahi mahi fillets in the skillet (you should hear a sizzle when it touches the oil).

  • Cook for 3 to 6 minutes before flipping the fillets and cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. The mahi mahi is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is opaque. The internal temp should be 145F at the thickest part of the fillet.

  • Top with the strawberry mint salsa and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don't add the mahi mahi to the pan until the oil is piping hot.
  • The strawberry mint salsa can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator.
  • The post above has additional tips on how to cook the fish.

The nutritional information calculated in the recipe are an estimate. The photos and content above are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos. Please do not copy this recipe and share it on your own website or social media channels. If you wish to tell people about this recipe, you can provide a link back to my blog rather than copying the recipe. Thank you! XO, Jen

Nutrition

Serving: 0g | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 1529mg | Potassium: 1166mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 892IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg

Keyword easy pan seared mahi mahi recipe, pan seared mahi mahi, seared mahi mahi recipe, strawberry mint salsa

Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was by leaving a comment and star rating below!

This post was originally published in March 2018. The content and photos were updated in August 2019.

Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe (SCD, Paleo, Whole30) (2024)

FAQs

Is mahi mahi good or bad for you? ›

This fish is high in protein and low in calories, it is also jam packed with iron for building more healthy red blood cells. Mahi is also full of selenium which protects against harmful cells from entering the body and potassium for a healthy heart and disease prevention. Indeed, Mahi is a super fish!

Should I soak mahi mahi before cooking? ›

Refrigerate, and soak the fish for 4 to 6 hours or overnight. Remove the fish, and prepare as desired. Baking Methods: Too much heat will cause fish to become dry, shrink and fall apart.

Is mahi mahi fresh in Florida? ›

Their spawning season extends from late spring through early summer. Most Florida mahi-mahi are harvested in Bay and Monroe counties, and the preferred fishing method is hook and line. When shopping for mahi-mahi, look for firm pink meat with a fresh sea-breeze aroma and no discoloration.

What temperature should mahi mahi be cooked at? ›

Pat the mahi-mahi fillets dry and place in a dish. Evenly coat the fillets with olive oil. Next, evenly distribute the seasoning mix over the fillets. Place the seasoned fillets on the heated grill and cook about 4 minutes on each side or until the fillets reach an internal temperature of 145° F.

Is mahi mahi healthier than salmon? ›

Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are better than leaner, white fish, such as mahi mahi or flounder, as fatty fish contain essential omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble nutrients the body can absorb, explains Gomer.

What's healthier mahi mahi or shrimp? ›

Both Fish and Shrimps are equally healthier food that can be taken as a diet. The location from which the fishes are harvested will enhance the nutritional value from the fish/ Shrimp product prepared.

Why is my mahi mahi rubbery? ›

The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

Why is mahi mahi so tough? ›

Fish that seems tough when you bite into it is probably overcooked. As it moves from done to "overdone," the flesh continues to firm then shrinks, pushing out moisture, which evaporates and leaves the fish dry and chewy. Fresh fish needs little embellishment, for its flavor is as fragile as its flesh.

What does soaking fish in milk before cooking do? ›

Before cooking, soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes

In this scenario, the protein in the milk binds with the compounds that cause that fishy odor, in essence extracting if from the fish. What's left behind is sweet-smelling, brighter flesh with clean flavor. (Just make sure you pour that milk down the drain.

Why avoid imported mahi mahi? ›

Avoid mahi mahi caught in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Panama, Peru, or Taiwan. In these countries, bycatch impacts and ineffective management are serious concerns.

What is mahi mahi called in Florida? ›

Dolphinfish. The dolphinfish is also often called mahi-mahi, and not at all related to the marine mammal dolphins. This colorful, distinct fish has a long body and a blunt face, with a forked caudal fin (tail), and a dorsal fin that runs the length of its body.

What is the most expensive fish to eat? ›

prized for its tender texture and rich taste, the Bluefin tuna is also famous. for being the most expensive edible fish on the planet. Price $5,000 per pound.

What pairs well with mahi mahi? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Mahi Mahi are Jasmine rice, polenta, sweet mashed potatoes, green beans, quinoa salad, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, French fries, caramelized carrots, zucchini boats, and black eyed peas.

How do you know if mahi mahi is undercooked? ›

The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it's done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees.

What is the number 1 healthiest fish? ›

1. Salmon. Salmon is versatile and one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential as the body cannot make it on its own so it must be obtained through food. Salmon's also high in protein, with just 200g providing around 44g protein.

Does mahi mahi have toxins? ›

Fish in the Scombridae family (tuna, mackerel, skipjack, and bonito) are the most common sources of illness. Other fish, such as mahi mahi, bluefish, marlin, and escolar can also cause scombroid fish poisoning.

Is mahi mahi fish high in mercury? ›

It's low in calories and a good source of omega-3s, protein, vitamin B12, phosphorus, potassium, protein, niacin, vitamin B6 and selenium. Mahi mahi fish benefits can include providing you with protein, healthy fats and other essential nutrients, while being relatively low in mercury and environmentally sustainable.

Which is healthier mahi mahi or tilapia? ›

Why is Mahi-mahi (raw) better than Tilapia (raw)? Significantly more vitamin A (IU) per 100g.

References

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