Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-Mango Salsa
Pan-seared mahi-mahi fillets topped with a vibrant tropical pineapple and mango salsa, perfect for a bright summer seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fresh pineapple chunks, medium, diced ripe mango, diced red bell 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 350 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, about 6 oz each mahi-mahi fillets
- 1 cup, fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 medium, diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 medium diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Add 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt; stir gently to make the salsa. Set aside.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each) with paper towels. Season both sides with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
- 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 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 4: Remove fish from skillet and place on serving plates. Spoon generous amounts of the pineapple-mango salsa over each fillet. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil around the plate for extra richness and serve immediately for a bright summer seafood entrée.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-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 Seared Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple-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.