Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Tropical Mango Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate mahi mahi fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a vibrant mango salsa bursting with summer flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (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, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl; mix gently.
  6. Step 6: Plate the mahi mahi fillets and spoon the mango salsa evenly over each serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Tropical Mango 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 Tropical Mango 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 Tropical Mango 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 Tropical Mango 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Tropical Mango Salsa?

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.

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