Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and vibrant seafood dish featuring pan-seared mahi mahi topped with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa that balances sweetness with a hint of spice. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends 6 oz each mahi mahi fillets, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the mahi mahi fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown and edges are crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork, then remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp honey.
  6. Step 6: Stir the salsa until evenly mixed and let it rest for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the pineapple salsa generously over the cooked mahi mahi fillets and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Pineapple 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 Pineapple 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 Pineapple 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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