Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado Salsa
A bright and refreshing seafood dish featuring pan-seared mahi-mahi topped with a vibrant citrus and avocado salsa. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets, olive oil, salt 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 fillets (6 oz each) mahi-mahi fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 1 large, segmented orange
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place the fillets in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden and crisp at the edges. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a bowl combine 1 diced medium avocado, 1 large segmented orange, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and juice of 1 lime. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 4: Serve each mahi-mahi fillet topped generously with the citrus-avocado salsa, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado 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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado 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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado 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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus-Avocado 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.
