Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi Mahi with Citrus Salsa

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

Fresh mahi mahi fillets wrapped in banana leaves, grilled to smoky perfection and topped with a vibrant mango-orange salsa. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes blends 6 oz each mahi mahi fillets, olive oil, salt 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 310 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: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Brush 4 mahi mahi fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place each fillet on a large banana leaf piece and fold to wrap securely, using toothpicks if needed.
  3. Step 3: Grill wrapped fillets for 8-10 minutes per side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and banana leaves are charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/2 cup chopped orange segments, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 tsp minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Remove fish from grill and unwrap carefully. Serve each fillet topped with 1/4 of the citrus salsa for a bright, smoky dish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Salsa?

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 Salsa?

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 Salsa 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 Salsa?

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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