Charred Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Lime Sauce

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

Pan-seared mahi-mahi with smoky char marks, topped with a bright mango salsa and drizzled with a creamy coconut lime sauce for a refreshing island-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs mahi-mahi fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 mahi-mahi fillets evenly on both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden with visible char marks and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced mango, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss gently to make the mango salsa.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and remaining 1 tbsp lime juice. Warm for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened but not boiling.
  5. Step 5: Plate the mahi-mahi fillets, spoon mango salsa evenly on top, and drizzle with the warm coconut lime sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Lime Sauce?

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 Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and 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 Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and 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 Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and 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.