Grilled Mahi Mahi

There is nothing better than grilled seafood and this Grilled Mahi Mahi is no different! It comes together in no time and tastes like a fancy restaurant dish. It's delicious as a main dish, served as fish tacos, or served as a sandwich. 

During the summer months, there is nothing better than making dinner outside at the grill. While many times I reach for grilled chicken or burgers, sometimes I want something light and fresh like fish. While I usually make cod or salmon, lately I have been making Mahi Mahi and love the results.

Mahi Mahi has a meatier texture than most white fish and is full of flavor. It can stand up to bold spice rubs and is really easy to cook on the grill. Some fishes fall apart on the grill, but not Mahi. It's a perfect fish for cooking outdoors. 

Looking for more tasty ways to make Mahi Mahi? Try this Blackened Mahi Mahi or Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi.

All About Mahi Mahi

Although many people have seen Mahi Mahi on restaurant menus, it may not be something you have cooked at home. Here is everything you need to know about this delicious fish. 

• What is it? Mahi Mahi is a saltwater fish with lean, firm white flesh. It is also known as the common dolphinfish (not at all related to dolphins) or dorado. In Hawaiian, it translates to "very strong." It is a warmer water fish commonly found in the coastal waters off of Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
• What does Mahi Mahi taste like? Mahi tastes like a cross between a mild white fish like halibut (or cod) and a meatier fish like swordfish. Many people describe the flavor as semi-mild since it has a more fishy flavor than a mild white fish but still doesn't have a strong fishy flavor. The texture is meaty but the fish still flakes easily. It has a slightly sweet flavor and pairs well with citrus flavors and flavorful spice rubs like blackening seasoning. 
• How do you know it's fully cooked? Mahi should be cooked fully until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook it because it will get tough if it is overcooked. 
• How to buy Mahi Mahi? Most Mahi Mahi in the US will be previously frozen unless you live somewhere where it can be freshly caught. The flesh should be firm and have a light pink hue. There shouldn't be any dull or dark brown areas. The skin should be moist and shiny. It should never smell fishy. In terms of sustainability, it is best to buy troll caught and line caught Mahi Mahi from Hawaii and the US Pacific coast. 

What You'll Need

Here are all the ingredients you need to make this tasty recipe. 

• Mahi Mahi: Most often you will find Mahi fillets in the grocery store either frozen or previously frozen at the fish counter. Larger fillets of fish also work, but make sure to remove the bloodline from the fillets if needed.  The bloodline can be eaten but it has a very strong, fishy flavor. Most fish counters will cut it out for you. Leave the skin on the Mahi Mahi while it cooks, it will help the fish hold together, but remove it after cooking.  If you can't find Mahi, swap in halibut or cod.
• Seasoning: To complement the flavors in the fish, this recipe uses a savory spice rub that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. For something spicy, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to this mixture or swap in blackening or Cajun seasoning. 
• Pineapple salsa: Mahi is a tropical fish that pairs really well with bright flavors. This fish is served with quick and easy pineapple salsa with fresh pineapple, cilantro, red onion, and lime juice. Mango salsa would also be tasty. 

More Seasoning Ideas

Since Mahi is a mild fish, it can be prepared in many different ways. Here are some other seasoning ideas.

• Lemon pepper: The bright flavors of lemon and spices notes in the pepper are delicious with fish. Use store-bought lemon pepper or make your own. Add lemon juice before serving for even more flavor.
• Garlic butter: Butter is a great way to add richness to lean fish like Mahi Mahi. Before grilling the fish, saute some minced garlic in butter. When the fish comes off the grill, drizzle the garlic butter on top.
• Jerk seasoning: The sweet and spicy flavors in jerk seasoning is a great match for the meatiness of Mahi. Whenever I make Mahi this way, I always add fresh fruit salsa on top. 
• Chimmichurri: The fresh herbs in chimichurri pair really nicely with white fish. Season the fish with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then drizzle the chimichurri on top before serving.
• Curry: Many Indian dishes use Mahi Mahi since it is also common in the Indian Ocean. This Fish Curry is a great example, but grilled Mahi with curry seasoning is also delicious. Thai curry sauce with coconut milk would also be delicious on this grilled fish. 

Side Dishes for Grilled Mahi Mahi

If you are cooking on the grill, the best side dishes are those that can be made on the grill right alongside the fish. Or quick and easy sides like rice, quinoa, or pasta. Here are some favorite side dishes for Mahi.

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers
• Garlic Grilled Broccolini
• Grilled Sweet Potatoes
• Cilantro Lime Quinoa
• Easy Arugula Salad

Expert Tips for Grilling Fish

Grilling fresh fish at home can be intimidating. Here are some tips to make sure the fish comes out flaky and delicious every time.

• Always clean the grill: The enemy of grilled fish is a dirty grill. When the grates are dirty, the delicate fish sticks to the grates and falls apart as it cooks or when you try and flip it.  Make sure to clean the grill grates and oil them if needed.
• Leave the skin on: If possible. grill fish with the skin still on. It will hold the fish together and make it easier to grill and flip.
• Don't flip too early: If the fish is sticking to the grill, it may not be ready yet. Proteins on the grill need time to char and form a crust. If you try and flip them before that crust has formed, they may stick. 
• Use foil if needed: If fish tends to stick to the grill, try placing it on a piece of foil. This will prevent it from sticking. 
• Medium high heat: Cook the fish at medium-high heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning. At the highest heat, many times the fish burns on the outside before cooking through.

Leftover Ideas

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Fish Tacos: Grab some corn tortillas and add cooked Mahi Mahi, pineapple salsa, purple cabbage, and some sliced avocado. Mahi is one of the best options for fish tacos since it has a meaty texture.  We also love making fish taco bowls.
• Grain bowls: Combine the fish with some leftover cooked rice, cabbage slaw, black beans, and avocado for a tasty lunch or dinner.
• "Fancy" tuna salad: Make tuna salad with the leftover flaked Mahi. Serve it over greens, in a wrap, or as an open-faced melt with tomato and cheese. 
• Fish cakes: Leftover fish is perfect for fish cakes. Use this easy fish cake recipe to make this tasty dinner. 
• Fish burgers or sandwiches: Grab some bread and make a tasty fish sandwich or fish burger with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.