What to Serve with Mahi Mahi? (Side Dishes and Main Dishes)
If you are planning a dinner party or having friends over for a casual meal, then mahi mahi is probably not what you would choose. However, if you serve mahimahi for a special occasion, you should serve something different than the usual side dishes.
Here are some suggestions of what to serve with mahi mahi:
Side dishes: Mashed Potatoes, Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Cornbread, etc.
Main dishes: Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Newburg, Ravioli Paste Casserole, etc.
What are the other options? And how do you prepare them? Let’s find out!
Mahimahi is often served as an appetizer, but it can also make a great main course if you want something different.
Mahi mahi with a fresh green salad. Credit: Canva
What Side Dishes Go with Mahi Mahi?
Here are some side dishes that go perfectly with the fish:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a great pairing for the fish. They add a creamy texture to the dish and pair well with the fish’s mild flavor.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice cooked with fresh cilantro and lime juice is another wonderful side dish complementing its delicate flavor.
Green Beans
If you want to serve green beans with your fish, try cooking them with butter and garlic. You’ll love how they blend.
Black Beans and Cornbread
A simple black bean dip goes perfectly with mahi mahi. Try serving it with cornbread on the side.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is another popular side dish that goes well with it. It adds a crunchy texture to the dish and complements its mild flavor.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is another easy way to serve a tasty meal. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with the fish’s mild flavor.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic Asian dish perfect for serving alongside it. You’ll get a nice mix of flavors in every bite.
Crusty Bread
Bread is always a good choice when you’re looking for something to serve with mahi mahi because it provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the fish.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or gathering, and I get why it’s so popular! It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients – cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard seed, and sometimes carrots – and it’s always so delicious. Not only does it taste great, but coleslaw also packs a mighty health punch.
Spinach Salad
Spinach salad is a refreshing side dish. Its fresh spinach leaves provide a crisp texture while adding a bright green color.
Tossed Green Salad
Tossed greens are an excellent option to serve something light and healthy. Tossing your green vegetable will give them a vibrant look and complement their mild flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. Roast some carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, and broccoli to bring out their natural goodness.
What Main Dishes Go with Mahi Mahi?
Here are some main dishes that go well with mahi mahi:
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for entertaining guests at home. It combines two of our favorite foods – shrimp, and pasta.
Lobster Newburg
It’s a delectable classic American dish with origins that date back to the late 19th century. To be precise, it was created in 1876 by Ben Wenberg at Delmonico’s restaurant in downtown Manhattan.
Typically served over toast and topped with dry sherry, this rich and creamy entrée of lobster-studded hollandaise sauce is an delicious treat. An interesting fact about Lobster Newburg is that its original name was Lobster Wenberg!
Ravioli Pasta Casserole
Ravioli pasta casserole is a traditional Italian dish perfect for serving during holidays or family gatherings. It has all the comfort food we love, plus a cheesy sauce.
Pasta Puttanesca
Pasta puttanesca is a spicy tomato-based pasta dish perfect for those who like hot meals. It’s loaded with garlic, olives, capers, and anchovies.
Seared Salmon Fillet
Seared salmon fillet is one of the most popular main courses. The fish is cooked medium rare, so it stays moist and tender.
Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe makes a big roast chicken that’s full of juicy meat.
Pesto Pasta
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy dinner with a flavor punch, pesto pasta is the way to go. Homemade or store-bought – I always opt for homemade! – pesto is so versatile; it can be used as a sauce to dress up simple dishes like macaroni and cheese and is also fantastic on grilled meats.
As far as pasta goes, you can mix and match your favorite types of noodles with any pesto combination.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that’s perfect for parties. It features ham, cheese, and breaded chicken pieces wrapped in puff pastry.
About
Mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), often referred to as “dorado” or “dolphin fish”, is a popular tropical species that can be found in the waters of Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America.
It boasts firm white flesh with a mild flavor and is highly coveted among fishers for its delicious taste. Plus, with how easy it is to cook up this delicacy, Mahi mahi makes an ideal choice for any occasion – from small family meals to lavish dinner parties!
What does it taste like?
The meat from this fish is firm and white with a delicate flavor. This makes it great for grilling, broiling, baking, and frying.
It pairs well with other seafood, such as scallops, shrimp, lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters.
Is it a healthy fish?
Yes! It is an excellent source of protein and is low in fat. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels.
How to Cook Mahi Mahi?
Grilled mahi mahi. Credit: Canva
There are several ways to cook it. Here are three common cooking methods:
Roasting
Cooking it by roasting gives it a tender texture and helps keep the meat moist—roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes per pound.
Grilling
Grilled mahi mahi can be served as an appetizer or entrée. Outdoor grill over high heat on both sides until it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Baking
Baking is similar to roasting except that the fish cooks under high heat. Bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick method of preparing fish. Sauté over medium heat until cooked through. Cook mahimahi for 10 minutes per pound.
Frying
Frying is a fast way to prepare this fish. Fry in oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Mahi Mahi Recipes
Lemon garlic sauce mahi mahi. Credit: Canva
Easy Mahi Mahi in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
This favorite recipe is a simple and wildly delicious way to prepare and serve this tender, flakey, and popular white fish.
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi fillets
Salt + Pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Whole garlic cloves
Fresh whole lemons (for juicing and slicing)
Fresh parsley
Instructions
Season the fillets:
But first, pat dry mahi-mahi fillets with paper towels. This guarantees that flavorful, golden sear we’re after.
Next, season both sides of your fish fillets with salt and lemon pepper or your combination of seasonings.
Options include salt and black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Prepare the ingredients for the garlic butter sauce:
Wash your lemons. Then, thinly slice one lemon and juice the other lemon into a small bowl so that you have approximately 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Mince the fresh garlic cloves and set aside.
Pan sear the mahi-mahi:
Add the olive oil to a large stainless steel skillet or cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat.
Once the olive oil is nice and hot, carefully add each fillet. Sear, undisturbed, until nicely golden brown, and the sides are cooked just past halfway up the fillets. This will take about 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish.
Flip and continue to cook on the other side until just cooked through, about 2-4 minutes more (mahi-mahi should reach an internal temperature of 137°F).
Remove from heat and transfer fillets to a serving plate.
Prepare the lemon garlic sauce:
In the same skillet (or in a new one), heat the butter, lemon juice, and lemon slices over medium heat. Heat until the butter is melted and just starting to bubble.
Stir in the garlic, reduce heat to low, and cook for 1 minute or until the garlic is lightly golden.
Stir in the fresh minced parsley and drained capers (optional).
Combine and serve:
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the mahi-mahi.
Serve immediately with all your favorite side dishes.
Storage
The fish should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.
Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Mango Salsa
This recipe has spicy flavors mixed with the tanginess of the salsa. It is great for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 (5-6 oz) mahi mahi fillets
3 Tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin olive oil)
Cilantro for serving
Lime wedges or lemon wedges for serving
Sour cream for serving
1 Avocado peeled and cubed for serving
For the blackening spice
3 ½ teaspoon salt (Kosher salt)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried thyme
½ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp dried basil
For the pineapple-mango salsa
2 cups pineapple peeled and diced
1 whole mango peeled, pitted, and diced
½ small red onion diced (about ¼ cup)
1 scallion thinly sliced
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
1 lime juiced
½ tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
Making the blackening spice:
Combine all dried herbs and spices in a medium bowl.
Whisk to combine.
Cooking the fish:
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Dry fish, brush the fillets with olive oil on both sides, then sprinkle blackening spices on top, covering as much of the flesh of the fish as possible.
Cook the fish in a baking dish for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 137 degrees F. If you prefer slightly more medium-rare meat, cook to an internal temp of 145F.
Garnish, then serve:
Add a final olive oil drizzle, flaky sea salts, and fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the fish.
Serve immediately with lime wedges, pineapple-mango sauce, sour cream, and avocado.
It is recommended over cilantro lime rice.
Storage
The pineapple-mango salsa will be in an airtight refrigerator container for up to 5 days.
Other Recipes
Some of the other popular recipes include:
Tacos (Fish Tacos)
Banh Mi
Coconut Curry
Ceviche
Steakhouse
Pasta Salad
Taco Salad
Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwiches
Pan-seared Mahi Mahi with Lemon Butter Sauce
FAQs
What sides go well with mahi?
Mahi goes great with everything! It’s versatile enough that you can pair it with many different foods. Here are some suggestions:
Cilantro Lime Rice
Black Beans & Cornbread
Green Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Grilled Vegetables
Steamed Broccoli
Pan-Seared Asparagus
Why is mahi mahi so healthy?
It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Omega 3s also play a role in brain development and function.
Do you rinse mahi mahi before cooking?
It’s recommended that you don’t rinse the fish because it removes natural oils from the skin. This helps keep its flavor intact.
How is mahi mahi supposed to be cooked?
The best way is by baking or grilling. The key here is not to overcook it. A rare one will still be moist and tender when served but won’t dry like overcooked meat.
