Ingredients
Scale
To prepare Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 4 Mahi Mahi fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Mahi Mahi: Mahi Mahi is a firm, lean fish that has a slightly sweet flavor and a meaty texture. It holds up well to grilling, pan-searing, and baking, making it ideal for this recipe.
- Lemon Garlic Sauce: The lemon garlic sauce is the star of this dish. Made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, and butter, it’s a rich yet refreshing complement to the fish.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color to the finished dish but also adds a touch of freshness and flavor that balances the richness of the butter-based sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding a savory depth of flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version or to make the dish vegetarian.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mahi Mahi Fillets
Start by patting the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the fish sear properly and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Season the Fish: Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using). For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle dried thyme or any herbs you enjoy. Let the fillets sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
While the fish is resting, prepare the sauce so that it’s ready when the fish is cooked.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a small saucepan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Liquids: Once the garlic is ready, add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and whisk in the butter, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, add lemon zest to the sauce for an extra citrus kick.
- Set Aside: Once the sauce is ready, set it aside and keep it warm.
3. Cook the Mahi Mahi
Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the fish!
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering.
- Sear the Fish: Carefully add the seasoned Mahi Mahi fillets to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear the fish for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until the fish is golden and crispy.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Mahi Mahi cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. If you have thick fillets, you can reduce the heat and cook for an extra minute or two.
4. Serve the Mahi Mahi
- Plate the Fish: Once the Mahi Mahi is cooked, transfer it to serving plates.
- Top with Sauce: Spoon the warm lemon garlic sauce generously over the top of each fillet.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 35g