Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi Mahi with Coconut Lime Sauce

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

Delicate mahi mahi fillets wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, served with a zesty coconut lime sauce that evokes tropical island flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) mahi mahi fillets, large sheets banana leaves, olive oil 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 350 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place each fillet in the center of a banana leaf sheet, folding and securing the edges with kitchen twine or toothpicks to create a sealed packet.
  3. Step 3: Grill the wrapped fillets for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until fish is opaque and flakes easily but remains moist.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and aromas develop.
  5. Step 5: Remove fish packets from grill and carefully unwrap. Serve each mahi mahi fillet drizzled with warm coconut lime sauce and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi Mahi with Coconut Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Coconut Lime 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 Coconut Lime 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 Coconut Lime 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 Coconut Lime Sauce?

Caribbean 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.

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