Mahi Mahi is a mild and sweet tasting lean white fish found in tropical and sub-tropical waters. It can be prepared a variety of ways. Pan Fried Mahi Mahi is an easy way to get restaurant style fish without the mess of deep frying.
If you like a lean fish with a firm texture this easy dish is for you! Pan frying mahi mahi brings out the best flavor of this mild white fish and it takes just minutes.
You'll love this simple way of cooking mahi mahi and it can be served with just a few lemon slices and, for a green vegetable add a side of summer slaw. Being huge fans of Cajun & Creole fans we've seasoned it that way, but if you prefer you can just use salt and black pepper.
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Ingredient Notes
- Mahi-Mahi filets totaling about 1 pound. Before it's cooked it will be a pink color, but cooking mahi mahi fillets gives them a white color and a firm texture.
- Flour is the plain all purpose type.
- Seasoning - We use our own Blackened Seasoning because the salt levels are controllable and we always have it on hand. You could use Creole Seasoning that you bought or just salt and pepper.
- Oil - Since it's cooked at about medium-high heat you want to use an oil that has a high smoke point (like Canola). For that reason we do not recommend using olive oil for this recipe.
That's it, y'all!. This fish dish is just plain, simple seafood goodness!
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Step by step detailed instructions
- Mix the flour and seasoning together thoroughly in a shallow dish, like a pie pan.
- Begin heating a heavy skillet (not the non-stick type). The sweet spot for me is just between medium heat and medium-high, but your stove may be different. Heat the pan for about 2-3 minutes while you prep the fish.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Coat with the flour mixture and pat it, making sure to get the sides of your fish fillets. Shake off the excess.
- Add the oil to the hot pan and allow it to heat an addition 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully add the fish to the large skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until it releases from the bottom of the pan. Give it a gentle nudge to see if it moves easily. If you try to turn it too soon the breading will come off.
- Turn and cook about another 2 minutes or until that side releases and the fish is golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels or another absorbent paper, but serve the fish while it's hot. It will not be as good at room temperature as it is fresh out of the pan.
Recipe Tips
- If at all possible use fresh mahi mahi. Frozen filets bought from the grocery store that have been thawed will still be good, but there is something special about fresh-from-the-ocean fish.
- Heating the pan before adding the oil is a sure fire way to keep your filets from sticking. Using a cast iron skillet or another heavy skillet is essential also.
- Season the flour however you like it. Salt is a flavor enhancer that you don't want to do without, but otherwise you can add lemon pepper, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder and more.
FAQ's
It's actually called a dolphin fish. Because of confusion with the marine mammal dolphin it's now more commonly called by its Hawaiian name mahi-mahi or many times just "mahi".
It is low calorie, high protein and full of iron and potassium. It is indeed very good for you.
Though the flesh is pink before cooking it is considered a mild white fish.
It is really best when freshly cooked. If you have leftovers that you can't bear parting with store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days and then reheat in an air fryer or convection oven at 425 degrees.
How to serve mahi/what to serve it with
- Make it into a mahi-mahi sandwich!
- Serve with fresh lemon slices or fresh lemon juice or lime juice.
- Cajun hush puppies are a classic southern side served with fried fish.
- Summer Slaw is another traditional side with any seafood.
- Pimento Cheese Grits are amazing with this mahi-mahi recipe.
- Bacon Bundled Green Beans are commonly served with mahi mahi fish at one of our favorite restaurants in Coastal Georgia.
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Sauces to go with your mahi mahi fillets
- Anything with a tangy lemon flavor like a lemon garlic butter sauce would be amazing!
- Traditional cocktail sauce is a southern favorite.
- Remoulade Sauce is the perfect complement to the mild sweet flavor of the fish.
- Try it in a Blackened Fish Taco with some baja sauce.
📖 Recipe
Pan Fried Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 1 pound mahi mahi filets approximate weight of 4 filets
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons Blackened Seasoning or seasoning of choice
- 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Mix flour and seasoning.
- Pat filets dry with paper towels and then coat with seasoning. Pat in with fingertips. Shake off excess.
- Heat heavy skillet for about 2 minutes at just under medium-high heat and then add oil, heating an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully add filets to oil and cook until they release from pan, about 2-3 minutes.
- Turn and cook until golden brown - about an another 2 minutes. Remove and drain on absorbent paper and serve while hot.
Notes
- Serves approximately 4 people, depending on appetites and weight of filets.
- Homemade blackened seasoning can be used or any combination of seasoning preferred, always being sure to use at least 1 teaspoon of salt.
- A heavy skillet is recommended and not one that has a non-stick surface.
- Nutritional info assumes that 2 Tablespoons of oil will be retained.
Donna Dimmitt says
This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try. I do have a question for you. I had this fish at a resort a few years back and they served a sauce with the fish that they called pineapple emulsion. It was delicious but I have never found the receipe . Any chance you might have it
Pam says
Sorry, no. But it sounds delicious!
Harriet Young says
This was great! The outside was crisp and flavourful and the inside was perfect and soft. Thank you!
Heather says
Delicious Mahi recipe, quick, easy and so flavorful! Everyone loved it, thank you!
helen says
Such a great recipe! Perfect for a simple midweek dinner with salads.
Ann says
Love Mahi Mahi and this looks so good. Thanks for the inspiration.
Paula says
This mahi mahi was so easy to make and tasted INCREDIBLE! Will definitely be making it again.