Description
This Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Sauce features flaky, tender fish pan-seared to perfection and finished with a buttery lemon garlic sauce. It’s a quick, elegant seafood dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Mahi Mahi: Place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Remove and Rest: Transfer the cooked mahi mahi to a plate to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic aroma.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add capers if desired. Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and blend flavors.
- Finish with Parsley: Stir in the chopped parsley to add freshness and color to the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the warm lemon garlic sauce evenly over the mahi mahi fillets and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not overcook the fish to maintain its moist and flaky texture.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest and most vibrant flavor for the sauce.
- Pair this dish with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Cod or halibut can be used as substitutes if mahi mahi is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
