Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce

How to Cook Mahi Mahi: Pan-Seared with Lemon-Herb Butter!

By Zelia ThorneJune 20, 2025

Learn how to cook mahi mahi perfectly! This pan-seared recipe with lemon-herb butter sauce is quick, easy & tastes like a seaside bistro. Get my tips! ... Quick Meals

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make a restaurant-worthy meal at home? Let's talk how to cook Mahi Mahi that's quick, easy and delicious. It's got a bright lemon-herb flavour that just screams summer.

Brief Overview

Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish (not that dolphin!), is a popular fish enjoyed worldwide. this easy fish recipes for dinner takes about 22 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight meal.

It serves 2 people, perfect for a cozy night in.

Main Benefits

This healthy fish dinner recipes is packed with protein and low in carbs, making it a guilt-free pleasure. it's a great way to impress your mates or enjoy a tasty and quick mahi mahi dinner .

What makes it special is the vibrant lemon-herb butter sauce.

Ready to give it a go? You'll need the following to how to cook mahi mahi like a chef!

What You'll Need: The Mahi Mahi Lineup

Right, grab these bits for the fish itself: 2 mahi fish fillets, about 6 oz each. a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of sea salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.

Simple, yeah?

Now, for that lemon herb butter sauce for fish that'll knock your socks off, you'll need butter. four tablespoons of unsalted butter! two cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and a tablespoon of fresh dill.

Finish it off with a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you fancy a bit of a kick, and salt and pepper to taste.

Honestly, that sauce is everything.

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce presentation

Let's Get Cooking: Pan Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe

First, get your Mahi Mahi fillets prepped and ready. Pat them dry with some kitchen roll. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Now season those beauties with salt and pepper.

Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds.

Don't let the garlic burn! stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and dill. season with salt and pepper, then keep it warm over low heat.

Best Way to Cook Mahi Mahi : Searing Time!

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. gently place the mahi mahi fillets in the pan.

Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side. cook until the fish flakes easily and hits 145° f ( 63° c) internally.

Don't overcrowd the pan! if you do, cook them in batches.

Finally, transfer the fillets to plates and smother them in that glorious lemon-herb butter sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy! A bit of sauce really elevates the flavor. Don't be shy with it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, so you wanna know how to cook mahi mahi ? no sweat. we're gonna break down exactly what you need to get this mahi fish on your table lookin' and tastin' like a million bucks.

Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent cup of tea in this country.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

Okay, pens at the ready, or just screenshot this on your phone, whatever floats your boat.

Mahi Mahi Fillets: 2 fillets, about 6 oz (170g) each. Skinless is the way to go, less fuss, innit? Look for firm, translucent flesh. Avoid anything that smells too fishy - that's a red flag. Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed properly, of course!) works fine too.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Nothing fancy, just your everyday olive oil will do the trick.
Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . Sea salt just has that certain je ne sais quoi, you know?
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) . Freshly cracked if you're feeling fancy.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Gotta be unsalted, so we can control the saltiness.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. And I mean minced . No one wants a massive chunk of garlic in their Lemon Herb Butter Sauce for Fish .
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Freshly squeezed is always better, but bottled will do if you're in a pinch.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness to the sauce.
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped. A classic pairing with fish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) . For a little kick. I like a bit of heat, but if you're not into that, leave 'em out.

Seasoning Notes: Bangin' Flavors

Okay, listen up 'cause here's where the magic happens for how to season mahi mahi fish . don't underestimate the power of salt and pepper, mate.

But that lemon-herb butter sauce? that's the real game-changer.

The dill and parsley bring a fresh, summery vibe. and that red pepper flakes? just a tiny pinch adds a bit of excitement.

You can always swap out the dill for some chives or tarragon if you're feeling adventurous. it´s really the best way to cook mahi mahi

I once tried a mahi mahi recipe where i used smoked paprika in the seasoning. oh my gosh! honestly, it gave it this amazing smoky flavor that worked so well.

You know?, it was incredible!,

Equipment Needed: Simple Tools for a Simple Job

Right, let's talk tools. no need to go out and buy a load of fancy gadgets. this pan seared mahi mahi recipe is all about keeping it simple.

For all mahi mahi recipes baked

Large Skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel is best. It distributes the heat evenly.
Small Saucepan: For that gorgeous lemon-herb butter sauce.
Fish Spatula: Essential for flipping the fish without tearing it to pieces.
Meat Thermometer (optional): If you're new to cooking fish, this is your best friend. 145° F ( 63° C) is the magic number.
Tongs, Cutting Board, Chef's Knife, Measuring Spoons, Measuring Cups: The usual suspects.

If you don't have a fish spatula, a regular spatula will do in a pinch. just be gentle! you can use a regular pot if you do not have a small sauce pan.

It´s a quick mahi mahi dinner , it needs to be easy.

This easy fish recipes for dinner or healthy fish dinner recipes is perfect because it uses minimal equipment and ingredients.

Plus, it's ready in under 30 minutes. now that’s what i call a win-win situation!

Pan-Seared Bliss: How to Cook Mahi Mahi Like a Pro

Fancy a restaurant-quality meal at home? this pan seared mahi mahi recipe is your answer. it's quick, easy, and packed with flavour.

You know, sometimes you just crave a bit of sunshine on a plate, even if the weather is awful!

Prep Like a Boss

Essential mise en place is key. get your mahi fish fillets out, pat them dry. honestly, drying them is a must! salt and pepper them generously.

For the sauce, chop your garlic and herbs. i like using fresh parsley and dill. it makes the lemon herb butter sauce for fish really sing! time-saving tip: chop everything while the pan heats up.

Safety first! handle raw fish carefully. wash your hands, your cutting board, everything.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Pat your Mahi Mahi fillets dry. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant. About 30 seconds . Watch it! Burned garlic is the worst!
Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill. Season to taste. Keep the Lemon Herb Butter Sauce for Fish warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the seasoned Mahi Mahi in the skillet. Don't overcrowd!
Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 145° F ( 63° C) . Use a thermometer if you're unsure!
Serve immediately! Spoon that amazing sauce generously over the fish.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mahi Mahi Recipes

Don't overcook it! mahi mahi is lean. overcooking makes it dry. trust me, i've been there. high heat is your friend for a good sear.

But don't burn the butter! for how to season mahi mahi fish , keep it simple. salt, pepper, maybe a pinch of garlic powder.

Want a shortcut? make the lemon herb butter sauce for fish ahead of time. store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.

It saves so much time for a quick mahi mahi dinner .

This recipe is a healthy and delicious meal. perfect for those nights when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Plus, it's totally impressive if you're having guests over. a healthy fish dinner recipe has never been this easy! best way to cook mahi mahi , if you ask me.

Why not to impress with mahi mahi recipes baked ?

Recipe Notes: Let's Chat!

Right, so you're ready to how to cook mahi mahi . awesome! here are some extra bits and bobs to make your culinary journey a bit smoother.

Consider this my friendly advice. think of these as your cheat sheet for this easy fish recipes for dinner .

Serving Suggestions: Fancy Fish, Sorted

Okay, so you've got your beautifully pan seared mahi mahi recipe , now what? i'm telling you, plating matters. for a restaurant vibe, try placing the mahi fish fillet on a bed of fluffy quinoa.

Drizzle that glorious lemon herb butter sauce for fish artfully over the top. a sprig of fresh dill? chef's kiss .

On the side, steamed asparagus is a winner. it is a light salad with a zingy lemon vinaigrette. for drinks? a crisp sauvignon blanc.

You know? it complements the fish perfectly. think of it. pure indulgence.

Storage Tips: No Waste, Just Taste

Right, so you've made this delicious Quick Mahi Mahi Dinner . But what if you have leftovers?

First, shove it in the fridge asap. i am thinking within 2 hours, alright? store that delicious mahi mahi in an airtight container.

It is important if you want to keep it fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing mahi mahi recipes is an option, but honestly, the texture can suffer. not ideal but if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film.

Then pop it in a freezer bag. it's that easy. it'll last for about 2-3 months. reheat in the oven or a pan.

Just be gentle. we don't want rubbery fish now, do we?

Variations: Making it Your Own

Okay, so you want to mess around with the recipe, get creative? It is your kitchen.

First, wanna keep it Healthy Fish Dinner Recipes ? Swap butter for olive oil. It's a simple way to cut down on fat. Also, load up on the veggies.

Seasonal ingredients? of course! in summer, think fresh basil and ripe tomatoes in the sauce. you know? in winter, try using rosemary and a touch of lemon zest.

It's all about what's fresh and tasty!

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Good for the Soul

Right, so this Pan Seared Mahi Mahi Recipe is not just delicious. It is quite good for you too!

Mahi Mahi is packed with protein. It's lean, and a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is important for heart health.

This recipe is relatively low in carbs and calories. it also depends on your side dishes. best way to cook mahi mahi is to add plenty of greens.

It is important if you want to maximize the health benefits.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, don't be scared to give it a go! cooking shouldn't be daunting. it is a brilliant and fun experiment.

This how to cook mahi mahi recipe is idiot-proof (i promise!). and even if you mess up. you know? it's a learning experience.

So get in that kitchen and create a tasty treat!

Mahi Mahi Recipes: Easy Pan-Seared Fish with Herb Butter!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my mahi mahi is cooked through? I don't want it to be like eating rubber!

Nobody wants rubbery fish! The best way to tell if your mahi mahi is done is to check for flakiness with a fork. If it easily separates into flakes and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), you're good to go. Overcooking is a common mistake, so err on the side of slightly undercooked if you're unsure - it'll continue to cook a bit as it rests.

Can I grill mahi mahi instead of pan-searing it? What's the best way to cook mahi mahi on the grill?

Absolutely! Grilling mahi mahi is a fantastic option, especially on a sunny bank holiday weekend. To prevent sticking, oil your grill grates well and make sure they're hot. Grill the fillets over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. You can even marinate the mahi mahi beforehand for extra flavour – a citrus marinade works wonders!

What's the best way to store leftover cooked mahi mahi? Will it keep until tea time tomorrow?

Yes it should. Store any leftover cooked mahi mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal quality and to avoid any "off" flavors. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating. You can reheat it gently in a pan or microwave, but keep in mind it might dry out a little, so maybe add a little sauce or stock.

I'm on a diet, is mahi mahi a healthy choice?

Mahi mahi is a great, healthy choice! It's a lean protein source that's low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients. The lemon-herb butter sauce adds flavour without being too heavy, but you can always reduce the amount of butter or substitute with a lighter option like olive oil. Pair it with steamed veggies or a salad for a balanced and nutritious meal. It is a great option for those watching their waistline!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in the lemon-herb butter sauce? I ran out of fresh ones!

While fresh herbs definitely give the sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavour, dried herbs will absolutely work in a pinch! Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so you'll want to use about half the amount specified in the recipe. So if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes longer to allow the dried herbs to rehydrate and release their flavour.

My mahi mahi fillets are really thick. How do I cook them evenly without burning the outside?

Thicker fillets can be a bit tricky! After searing them on both sides to get a nice crust, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the fish is cooked through. You could also finish them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking. A meat thermometer is your best friend here – aim for that 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. Just like on "Master Chef", you want to aim for perfection!