Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus Avocado Salsa
Flaky pan-seared mahi mahi topped with a refreshing citrus and avocado salsa that balances richness with bright flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) mahi mahi fillets, kosher salt, 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 320 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 (6 oz each) mahi mahi fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 1 large, peeled and segmented orange
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the fillets to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden brown on the underside. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine in a bowl 1 diced avocado, 1 peeled and segmented large orange, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, 1 tsp honey, and juice of 1 lime. Gently toss to combine.
- Step 4: Plate the mahi mahi fillets and spoon the citrus avocado salsa generously over the top. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus Avocado Salsa 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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
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 Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
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 Avocado Salsa 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 Avocado Salsa?
American 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.
