Seasoning Recipes for Mahi Mahi That Bring the Zest

Mahi mahi is one of my go-to fish choices because it holds up well to high heat and a variety of spice blends!

When I grill or sear it, I often rub it with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar.

It’s firm enough to take on heavier spices like cumin or ancho chili powder without falling apart or tasting muddy.

One approach I recommend is seasoning the fish while it’s still slightly damp so the dry spices stick better and form a crust.

If I’m baking it, I go for a mix of lemon zest, dill, and crushed red pepper to give it a brighter edge!

1. Caribbean Tomato Sauce

Poaching fish might not sound as easy as it actually is, but it’s a super simple cooking method.

You make a spicy, Caribbean-inspired tomato sauce; the perfect seasoning for Mahi Mahi filets, and add the fish to it.

Cooking on gentle heat, this recipe from Garlic and Zest yields incredibly flaky, yet tender Mahi Mahi.

The aromatic, tangy poaching sauce goes perfectly with the natural sweetness of the fish.

If anything, it’s a great way to practice cooking fish in a different way than usual.

2. Creole Seasoning

Creole seasoning has a lot of bold spices that can make even the blandest of ingredients a flavor bomb.

That’s why this Creole pan-fried Mahi Mahi recipe from Red Beans and Eric is bound to change your idea of what plain old white fish is capable of!

The distinct aroma of green bell peppers gives you a hint of the “holy trinity” of Louisiana cooking.

That’s not the best part:

To gild the lily, you add Crystal hot sauce and cayenne pepper to make the dish as spicy as you want it to be.

3. Citrus Ceviche 

Raw fish isn’t everyone’s cup of…ceviche?

Well, hear me out:

You’ve probably tried sushi and/or poké bowls, and this isn’t that much different.

In fact, this ceviche recipe from Food Wishes is technically cooked using the acid from the lemon and lime juices.

This “cooking” method brings out the natural sweetness of the Mahi Mahi.

It also adorns it with the tangy orange segments and the fruity spiciness of the jalapeno peppers.

So don’t be afraid to give it a try!

4. Honey Sesame

This Maui-style seasoning for grilled Mahi Mahi from Nibble Me This is a wonderful departure from the acidic, spicy options on here so far.

The sweetness of the honey and teriyaki sauce, paired with the umami of the soy sauce and the slight bitterness of the sesame is flavor heaven.

You know what else is great?

It’s a relatively quick and easy seasoning for Mahi filets as they have to marinate for 30 minutes only!

So when grilling season rolls around, whip this up real quick and have a delicious dinner on the table in less than an hour.

5. Thai Coconut Curry

Coconut curries are in a league of their own, and this recipe from Taming of the Spoon is no exception.

To me, there’s nothing like the spicy, funky kick of Thai red curry paste, cut so perfectly by the comforting, fragrant creaminess of coconut milk.

It’s a dish that punishes and rewards at the same time!

Jokes aside, you’ll find this a great pairing with coconut or plain jasmine rice.

It also plays nice with other vegetables added to the mix.

6. Teriyaki Sauce

There’s very little that compares to the utter perfection of teriyaki sauce.

It’s sweet, savory, acidic, and slightly smoky when slathered on something grilled or pan-seared.

Using it alongside Mahi Mahi, like in this recipe from Taste of Home, can make a weeknight dinner feel like a delicious izakaya offering!

Serve it on a bed of rice or next to some buttered noodles to soup up the leftover sauce.

Either way, you’re in for a treat!

7. Chili Lime

Who says healthy eating has to be flavorless and boring?

Not me, and not this delicious recipe from Fit Found Me either!

The high-protein, low-carb recipe for chili lime Mahi Mahi with broccoli florets makes for a rather satisfying meal.

You want to know what else?

It all comes together in one skillet. That’s a recipe after my own heart!

8. Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning can make cardboard taste great, so how can this seasoning for Mahi tacos from Jar of Lemons not elevate this delicate, flaky fish?

Of course, it pairs perfectly!

Cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper make for the ideal dry seasoning for Mahi Mahi.

Add whole wheat tortillas, cilantro, avocado, cabbage, and onions for a complete and hearty meal.

Feel free to omit the cilantro if you have the cilantro gene, though!

9. Mango Avocado Salsa

Want a quick way to dress grilled Mahi Mahi filets?

Look no further than this recipe for avocado salsa from the Feel Good Foodie!

Not only is the salsa light, refreshing, and zesty, but it also comes together super fast.

The addition of mango gives it a beautiful tropical flair that elevates the simple Mahi Mahi instantly.

And of course, the creamy, perfectly ripe avocado does wonders for the texture of the salsa.

It’s like a little fiesta on top of your Mahi Mahi!

10. Balsamic Tomato Salad

This recipe from Katerina over at Diethood is every bit as rich and flavorful as higher-calorie cooking methods.

Tomato salad might sound simple, but something magical happens when you mix fresh tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and parmesan.

These ingredients boost the glutamates naturally found in tomatoes, making them extra-savory and satisfying.

The freshness, tanginess, and umami of the salad pair perfectly with the mild flavor of Mahi Mahi. 

11. Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Want a crispy, crunchy outer coating on your Mahi Mahi without deep frying? 

Try this seasoning for baked Mahi Mahi from Lyuba at Will Cook for Smiles.

It has Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and dried parsley; all delicious ingredients that work great with Mahi Mahi.

It also makes it a great substitute for battered and fried fish, a healthier option if you will.

Just make sure not to overcook the Mahi Mahi in the oven so it doesn’t dry out!

12. Ginger Glaze

Ginger is a delicious addition to fish dishes, it adds warmth and spiciness while playing well with the natural sweetness of the fish.

That’s why this recipe for ginger-glazed Mahi Mahi from Speedy Recipe works so well.

And you know the huge bonus here?

It’s done in 25 minutes, start to finish! This makes it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re super busy.

13. Pesto

Aromatic Italian ingredients are super comforting. 

There’s very little that evokes the same feeling you get when you smell olive oil, basil, pine nuts, and parmesan.

That’s why this Pesto-crusted Mahi Mahi from Jessie over at Life as a Strawberry checks all the marks.

It’s decadent, fragrant, crunchy, and tender. It also comes together super quickly if you buy premade basil pesto. Just perfect!

14. Blackening Seasoning

Blackening is such a good seasoning for Mahi Mahi, it’s hard to think of something better.

Cajun spices produce a deeply flavored crust called a “bark” on grilled or smoked food—the color of which turns dark, almost black.

This recipe for oven-baked blackened Mahi Mahi from Wanderlust and Wellness gives the same delicious results at home.

The best part is:

It also makes for a great weeknight dinner that feels well-thought-out and satisfying.

15. Ají Amarillo

Ají Amarillo is a Peruvian chili paste made of ground-up yellow chilies and different spices. 

It makes for a delicious Mahi Mahi dish that’s less spicy and more spiced. 

The addition of fresh veggies makes for a nice contrast between the deep flavors of the chili paste, and the cooked flavor of the fish broth.

The nice thing about this is that it comes together in one pan and makes for a quick, healthy dinner that isn’t a total hassle to make.

Pair it with rice or a baked potato for a change of pace.