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A fork breaking the mahi mahi on a plate of grilled mahi mahi showing the perfectly grilled fish texture

Grilled Mahi Mahi

This Grilled Mahi Mahi is one of the best ways to enjoy light fish meals, and definitely one of our best ways to cook Mahi Mahi. The flavors are so simple, yet bright, citrusy, refreshing with a kick of spice. Make this Mahi Mahi recipe today!

Course fish, grill, Main Course, Main Dish, Seafood
Cuisine American, Hawaiian, Mediterranean
Keyword fish, fish recipes, grilled mahi mahi, grilled mahi mahi recipe, Mahi Mahi, Mahi Mahi Fish, Mahi Mahi Recipe, seafood, Seafood Dinner, seafood recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 649 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Mahi Mahi

  • 4 mahi mahi fillets patted dry

Mahi Mahi Seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Citrus Avocado Salad

  • 2 oranges variety of oranges, segmented
  • 1 1/2 cups Arugula or any greens of your choice
  • 2 avocadoes pitted, peeled and sliced thin

Citrus Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons orange juice from the oranges above
  • 1 tabelspoon champagne vinegar
  • 1/4 cup herbs mixture of parsley, oregano and thyme
  • 1 jalapeno minced--optional
  • 1/2 cup olive oil Mina olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the fish on a cutting board and pat dry before seasoning. This helps the fish not stick to your grill pan.

    A board with fillets of mahi mahi patted dry and fresh or defrosted, surrounded by lemon slices

  2. Mix the Mahi mahi seasoning ingredients and rub it on the fish fillets on both sides.

    seasoned fillets of mahi mahi ready to grill

  3. Preheat the grill, outdoor to 450 degrees F, and indoor to medium high.

  4. Place the fish in a single layer and grill for 3-5 minutes before flipping.

    Mahi mahi fillets on the grill

  5. Flip when the fish is golden and cooked through halfway.

    A hand showing one piece of mahi mahi fish ready to flip on the grill

  6. Cook for 3-5 minutes on the other side, and the grilled mahi mahi is ready when flakes off with a fork.

    cooked mahi mahi fillets on the grill finished cooking and ready to serve.

  7. Prepare the orange avocados and arugula on a serving plate. Add the fish over that.

    orange avocado salad base for the grilled mahi mahi on a plate with avocado slices , orange segments and arugula

  8. Mix the citrus dressing all in one bowl.

    ingredients for a citrus vinaigrette in a bowl with herbs, orange juice, olive oil, vinegar

  9. Drizzle the dressing over the fish and salad.

    A hand drizzling the citrusy sauce over the grilled mahi mahi on a bed of orange and avocado salad

  10. Serve right away and ENJOY

    close up of the grilled mahi mahi fish on a plate of orange and avocado salad

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Mahi Mahi Recipe Tips

  • If buying fresh fish, make sure it smells like the ocean. A clean smell and not a fishy one! If you're buying frozen mahi mahi, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight. 
  • Cut the fillets to the size of your choice, they're usually a little less than 1 inch thick.
  • Use a simple seasoning blend as the fish is very neutral tasting, so you need to taste that as well. 
  • An indoor or outdoor grill work great for this recipe.
  • It's best to preheat the grill before placing the mahi mahi fillets, this helps the fish not stick to the grill.
  • Flip the fish after 3-5 minutes and avoid over flipping. Just cook for 4 minutes per side on average and it’s done. 
  • The mahi mahi is done when it flakes with a fork easily.

What is Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi is a colorful fish named in Hawaii, it's found in off-shore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide. The fillet of this delicious fish is firm which makes it ideal for baking, grilling, broiling and pan searing!

What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?

It tastes very mild and sweet. It has more of a crab texture than a delicate fish texture (unlike the Chilean Sea Bass). For that you can simply bake it with simple seasoning, garlic and lemon slices and it will taste terrific! It doesn’t have any “fishy” or “oily” taste or feel to it. 

Where to Buy Mahi Mahi?

If you're lucky enough to live on the ocean, you can find fresh fillets of this succulent fish at your local fish departments. However, you can still buy frozen fillets at any store (even Costco). Ideally, it's best to find wild caught fish and use that. Defrost the frozen fillets overnight in your fridge, pat dry from any moisture and proceed with the recipe. 

How to Season Mahi Mahi

Since this is such a sweet mild tasting fish, I prefer not to use heavy or strong marinades. A simple spice blend and olive oil is all we like to season the fish with. 

How long to Grill Mahi Mahi

If you're using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium high heat (about 450 degrees F) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid on. Avoid over flipping the fish. Remove and serve right way. 

For an indoor grill, preheat the grill pan to medium high heat and then grill the fish for 3-5 minutes per side. Detailed thickness and doneness below:

  • 1-inch fillet: 3–4 minutes per side
  • Thicker steak: 4–5 minutes per side

Grilled Mahi Mahi Variations

  • Mediterranean Grilled Mahi Mahi: Olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon zest.
  • Cajun Style: Paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder.
  • Tropical: Lime, chili, cilantro — top with mango salsa.
  • Garlic Butter Finish: Grill simply, brush with melted garlic butter after.
  • Blackened Style: Dry spice rub, hot grill, quick sear.

Can you grill Mahi Mahi on cedar planks?

Surely you can!

Why Did My Fish Stick?

Grill not hot enough or fish too wet.

Why Is It Dry?

Overcooked past 140°F.

Why Did It Fall Apart?

Flipped too early.

Can I Grill from Frozen?

Not recommended. Thaw completely first.

Can I Use a Grill Pan?

Yes, but first preheat thoroughly and add in oil well.

Nutrition Facts
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Amount Per Serving
Calories 649 Calories from Fat 450
% Daily Value*
Fat 50g77%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
Monounsaturated Fat 35g
Cholesterol 124mg41%
Sodium 534mg23%
Potassium 1398mg40%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 1104IU22%
Vitamin C 55mg67%
Calcium 89mg9%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.