Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Light and flaky mahi mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright citrus and garlic butter sauce for an elegant seafood entrée. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs mahi mahi fillets, salt, black pepper 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the fillets to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until the edges are golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove fillets from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp orange juice, stirring to combine and cook for 1 minute until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and spoon the sauce over the mahi mahi fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter 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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter 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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter 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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus and Garlic Butter 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes