Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried mahi mahi encased in a crunchy coconut crust served alongside fragrant lime and cilantro infused rice. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 40 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) mahi mahi fillets, shredded unsweetened coconut, panko breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and drain 1 cup jasmine rice. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: In three shallow dishes, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 beaten large egg, and a mixture of 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets and dredge each first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press into the coconut-panko mixture to coat thoroughly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1 tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the crispy mahi mahi fillets atop the lime cilantro rice for a fresh and crunchy dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice?

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 shredded unsweetened coconut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice?

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 Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice 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 Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lime Cilantro Rice?

Caribbean caribbean 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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