Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ocean-inspired mahi-mahi fillets wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, finished with a zesty citrus herb butter for tropical flair. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs softened unsalted butter, fresh lime zest, fresh orange zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 1 tsp fresh lime zest, 1 tsp fresh orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 clove minced garlic. Mix well and refrigerate until firm.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets and season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice over the fillets.
  3. Step 3: Place each fillet onto a softened banana leaf sheet and fold the leaves securely around the fish to create packets.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the banana leaf packets for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Carefully open each packet, transfer fish to plates, and top each fillet with a generous dollop of the chilled citrus herb butter to melt over the warm fish.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with grilled vegetables or coconut rice for a tropical meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Herb Butter?

Caribbean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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