Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi

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

Tender mahi mahi fillets infused with smoky char from banana leaf wrapping, complemented by a tangy citrus and ginger marinade for a Polynesian-inspired dish. This polynesian-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs lime juice, orange juice, grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 Polynesian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves and marinade is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 mahi mahi fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 banana leaf sheets with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place one marinated mahi mahi fillet on each banana leaf sheet, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, then fold leaves to wrap the fish securely.
  5. Step 5: Grill wrapped fillets for 6-8 minutes per side, turning carefully, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and banana leaves have charred spots giving a smoky aroma.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill, unwrap, and serve immediately with steamed rice or tropical salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (10 min prep + 16 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 Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi?

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 lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Banana Leaf-Wrapped Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi?

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 Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi 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 Tiki-Style Mahi Mahi?

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.

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