Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce
A vibrant dish featuring pan-seared mahi-mahi topped with a traditional Puerto Rican sofrito sauce that bursts with fresh herbs and peppers. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped culantro (recao)
- 1 small, chopped ajicito or chili pepper
- 1 medium, diced tomato
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sofrito)
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each) and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped medium onion, and 1 finely chopped medium bell pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped culantro, 1 small chopped ajicito or chili pepper, and 1 diced medium tomato. Cook for 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Season the sofrito with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then squeeze in 1 tbsp lime juice and stir well.
- Step 6: Spoon the sofrito sauce generously over the seared mahi-mahi fillets and serve immediately with rice or plantains.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce?
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 Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce?
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 Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce 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 Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce?
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.
