Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Cilantro Relish
Tender mahi-mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a refreshing mango and cilantro relish that adds a burst of sweetness and brightness. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (5 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped (optional) jalapeño
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While fish cooks, combine 1 cup finely diced mango, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño (if using) in a small bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Remove fish from pan and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve each fillet topped with 1/4 cup mango-cilantro relish for a bright, tropical finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Cilantro Relish take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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-Cilantro Relish?
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 (5 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango-Cilantro Relish?
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-Cilantro Relish 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 Mango-Cilantro Relish?
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.
