Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Pan-seared mahi-mahi fillets topped with a fresh, zesty mango salsa paired with creamy coconut-infused jasmine rice. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 pieces, 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium peeled and diced mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, season 4 mahi-mahi fillets each about 6 oz with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add mahi-mahi fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 diced medium mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to combine for mango salsa.
- Step 5: Fluff coconut rice with a fork and divide among plates. Top each plate with a mahi-mahi fillet and spoon mango salsa over the fish before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice 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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
Latin American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for Cinco de Mayo and it was a hit! The salsa balanced the richness of the fish perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Seared the fish to a golden crust in minutes—so simple for a fancy dinner. The coconut rice made it feel celebratory.
- ★★★★★
The coconut rice was creamy perfection and the mango salsa brought such a bright flavor to the mahi-mahi. My kids even asked for seconds!