Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus-Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate mahi mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a bright, buttery citrus sauce. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove fish from skillet and keep warm. Lower heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Once butter melts and begins to foam, add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 tablespoons lime juice, simmering for 1-2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Pour citrus-butter sauce over the fish, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Butter Sauce?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Citrus-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-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-Butter Sauce?

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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