Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Mango-Passion Fruit Salsa

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

Fresh mahi mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a vibrant mango and passion fruit salsa that balances sweet and tangy flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs mahi mahi fillets, olive oil, salt 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 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 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 with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes on one side without moving, until the edges are golden and opaque halfway up the fillet. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup passion fruit pulp, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup minced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Stir gently to mix and let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve the seared mahi mahi fillets topped generously with the mango-passion fruit salsa, enjoying the contrast of warm fish and fresh, tangy salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Mango-Passion Fruit 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-Passion Fruit 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-Passion Fruit 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-Passion Fruit 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.

Is Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Mango-Passion Fruit 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes