Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade
Tender grilled mahi-mahi fillets marinated in a bright blend of citrus juices, garlic, and cilantro, delivering a fresh and flavorful seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets, about 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 4 mahi-mahi fillets (about 6 oz each) to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove fillets from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade?
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 Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade?
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 Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade 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 Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade?
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.
