Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lightly smoked mahi mahi fillets topped with a zesty pineapple salsa, combining smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors reminiscent of Polynesian island cuisine. This seafood-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 65 minutes blends (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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Brush 4 mahi mahi fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Place the mahi mahi fillets on the smoker rack and smoke for 45-50 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  3. Step 3: While the fish smokes, prepare the salsa by combining 1 cup finely diced pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp finely minced jalapeño in a bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: Remove the smoked mahi mahi from the smoker, plate each fillet, and spoon the pineapple salsa liberally over the top. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple 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 Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple 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 Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple 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 Smoked Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa?

Seafood bbq & smoked 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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