Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Chili Glaze
Tender pan-seared mahi-mahi topped with a sweet and spicy pineapple-chili glaze that captures the essence of tropical coastal flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets, divided salt, divided 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 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
- 2 (6 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup fresh pineapple juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return the fish to the pan and spoon the glaze over it, cooking for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
- Step 7: Plate the mahi-mahi and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Chili Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pineapple-Chili Glaze?
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 (6 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Chili Glaze?
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 Pineapple-Chili Glaze 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Chili Glaze?
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.
