Delicious and Flaky Pan Seared Mahi Mahi With Cilantro Lime Sauce! (2024)

This pan seared Mahi Mahi recipe creates the most tender, flaky, and juicy piece of fish that any seafood lover will enjoy! It is ridiculously quick and easy, yet full of flavor! A simple sauce made from butter, lime, and cilantro makes this pan seared Mahi Mahi recipe extra special!

Easy Pan Seared Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi is such a popular, tropical white fish because it doesn’t have an overly fishy flavor and cooks to a beautifully tender and flaky finish! My pan-seared mahi mahi is a wildly delicious way to cook this amazing fish!

If you have an seafood lovers in the family, mahi mahi is always a hit. And it is such an easy fish to cook, even a beginner will be able to do it!

If you love flaky pan-seared fish, try out my pan-seared swordfish, sea bass, and salmon recipes!

🥘 Ingredients

These ingredients are classic staples that you most likely already have! Just make sure to stop by your grocery store and pick up some Mahi Mahi!

• Mahi Mahi – 1 pound of mahi mahi fillets (approximately 1 inch thick 4-ounce portions).
• Olive Oil – ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
• Salt & Pepper – ¼ teaspoon of each salt and pepper, to taste.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Garlic - ½ tablespoon of minced garlic.
• Lime Juice – 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
• Cilantro – 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*

🔪 How To Make Pan Seared Mahi Mahi

This recipe is so easy to make you’ll be ready to eat in 15 minutes! All you need is a cutting board, knife, and a skillet!

My pan-seared mahi mahi recipe makes 4 servings of approximately 4 ounces each. You can easily multiply these servings to feed a crowd, or reduce the servings to make dinner for two. Just make sure there's plenty of room in your skillet or frying pan (don't crowd the fish fillets).

Prep, Season & Preheat

1. Preheat and prepare. Heat a large skillet to medium-high to high heat with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. While this is heating up, pat the 1 pound of Mahi Mahi fillets completely dry with a paper towel and then season them with ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper.

Cook The Mahi Mahi

1. Sear the fish. Ensure that the pan is sizzling hot by touching the corner of the fish in the pan. Then, place the seasoned Mahi Mahi into the skillet and cook the first side for 3-4 minutes without moving the fish.
2. Flip. Once the fillets have a whitish color about ⅓ of the way up the side and a nice golden color, flip the fish to the second side and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Make The Sauce & Serve

1. Reduce heat. When the fish reaches a temperature of 135°F (57°C) , reduce the heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it until bubbling. Next, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds before removing from the heat and adding 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of cilantro. Stir to combine and spoon over the fish.
2. Serve. Serve the Mahi Mahi with more of the pan juices spooned over the fish as well as fresh lime wedges on the side.

This tender and flaky Mahi Mahi pairs well with multiple different side options! Try it with crispy oven-roasted potatoes or a vegetable side like a cucumber salad! Enjoy!

💭 Tips & Notes

• Ensuring your pan is super hot is key to a great sear and speedy cooking time.
• A heavy bottom pan or skillet (which is why cast iron skillets are preferred) will transfer the heat more evenly and help the mahi mahi sear perfectly.
• Watch thin mahi mahi fillets closely so that they don't cook too quickly!
• USDA recommends that fish be cooked to 145°F (63°C) but this may be overcooked for you. Use your best judgment for your preferred level of doneness.

❓ What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?

Mahi Mahi is a relatively mild and sweet-tasting fish. Salmon, cod, and halibut are fish that have a somewhat similar taste.

❓ Can You Pan Sear Mahi Mahi Without Finishing In The Oven?

Yes! This recipe does not require the fish to be finished in the oven. The pan sear gives the mahi mahi a nice golden color and delicious, flaky center with no need for the oven!

❓ How Long Does It Take To Pan Sear Mahi Mahi?

Pan sear your mahi mahi for 3-4 minutes on the first side, 3-4 minutes on the second side, and about a minute or two with the reduced heat to finish up the sauce. Use your best judgment to determine when the fish is cooked to your preferred doneness!

🐟 More Tasty Fish Recipes!

• Baked Mahi Mahi
• Grilled Grouper
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Pan Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
• Oven Fried Catfish
• Blackened Cod

📖 Recipe Card

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