Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Spicy Caribbean Pepper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Tender mahi mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant, spicy Caribbean pepper sauce. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 20 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) 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 290 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.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets (6 oz each) mahi mahi fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 small, finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. 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 each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 140°F).
3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, in a small bowl combine 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Remove the fish from skillet and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon the spicy Caribbean pepper sauce generously over each fillet before serving.