Charred Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle

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

Pan-seared mahi-mahi with a smoky char, topped with a fresh pineapple salsa and finished with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a bright island-inspired seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes blends olive oil, divided salt, divided black pepper 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 280 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: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper each.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown with a slight char and the fish flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: While fish cooks, combine 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl to make the pineapple salsa.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 tbsp lime juice with 1 tbsp chopped cilantro for the drizzle.
  5. Step 5: Plate the mahi-mahi fillets and spoon generous amounts of pineapple salsa over each, then drizzle with the cilantro-lime dressing. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle?

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 Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle?

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 Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle 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 Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Drizzle?

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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