Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
A simple and flavorful pan-seared Mahi Mahi recipe featuring a golden crust, garlic lemon butter sauce, and fresh parsley garnish. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (4–6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper (plus more to taste)
Sauce
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (6 smaller cloves used)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more lemon slices for serving)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season: Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with fine sea salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Cook fish: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mahi mahi fillets. Sear for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving to create a golden brown crust. Flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked mahi mahi from the skillet and set aside.
- Make sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and lemon juice, sautéing gently for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and return the mahi mahi fillets to the skillet. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over each fillet, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and optional capers. Serve immediately with lemon slices and your choice of side dishes, enjoying the rich and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Ensure mahi mahi fillets are patted dry to get a crispy, golden sear.
- Adjust garlic amount to preference; smaller cloves might require more to reach the desired flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, but extra slices can be served for additional tang.
- Capers are optional but add a nice briny contrast.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better searing.
Keywords: Mahi Mahi, pan seared fish, garlic lemon butter sauce, quick fish recipe, healthy seafood
