Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Mahi Mahi with Spiced Citrus Butter

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

Delicately steamed mahi mahi wrapped in banana leaves, finished with a zesty spiced citrus butter that evokes island flavors. This Caribbean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs mahi mahi fillets, banana leaves, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Lay out 4 large banana leaf sheets and brush each with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 mahi mahi fillets evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a banana leaf sheet.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp lime zest, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
  4. Step 4: Spread about 1 tbsp of the spiced citrus butter evenly over each fillet.
  5. Step 5: Fold banana leaves around the fish to create a sealed packet, securing with kitchen twine if needed.
  6. Step 6: Place packets on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Step 7: Carefully open the banana leaf packets, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for a fragrant tropical presentation.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spiced Citrus Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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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