Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Avocado Salsa

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

A light and flavorful pan-seared mahi-mahi fillet topped with a fresh mango-avocado salsa that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy textures. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 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 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned mahi-mahi fillets in the hot skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving, until the edges are golden and crisp. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1 cup diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño in a bowl. Stir gently to mix and season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Serve each mahi-mahi fillet topped with a generous scoop of the mango-avocado salsa for a bright and refreshing finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Mango-Avocado Salsa?

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 Mango-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 Mango-Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Avocado Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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