Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi Mahi with Citrus Herb Sauce

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

Ocean-fresh mahi mahi steamed in banana leaves over an open flame, infused with smoky char and served with a bright citrus herb sauce. This polynesian-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes blends each mahi mahi fillets, olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Polynesian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Brush 4 large banana leaf sheets with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 mahi mahi fillets evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a banana leaf sheet.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp honey. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Spoon half of the citrus herb sauce evenly over each fillet, then fold banana leaves over the fish to create a sealed packet.
  5. Step 5: Place packets on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until fish flakes easily with a fork and banana leaves are slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Carefully open packets and serve mahi mahi with the remaining citrus herb sauce drizzled on top for a fresh, smoky flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

Polynesian seafood 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.

Related recipes