How Long to Cook Mahi-Mahi?

Updated on October 13th, 2022

Hawaiian dishes are almost incomplete without mentioning the mahi-mahi. This white fish has a firm and lean texture that allows it to work in almost any recipe. It’s also tasty, pairs with tons of flavors, and is quite affordable. But its versatility comes with a price; not everyone knows how to cook it.

This fear is rational since it’s easy to overcook and ruin a fish recipe. So, we’ll be offering tips on the most preferred cooking time for mahi-mahi. We’ll also pair it with various cooking techniques, so it’ll be easier to decide which works best for your situation.

Mahi-mahi Cooking Tips

Understanding how long your mahi-mahi should cook is excellent, but it isn’t the only key to an impressive dish. Other factors do come into play if you want your recipe to stand out with every try.

Getting the Mahi-Mahi

When buying Mahi-mahi, you’ll mostly find it in skinless fillets and sometimes fresh, especially if you live near the coastal regions or fresh seafood markets. But most places offer the fish cut in frozen forms, with some thawed before the sale. You’ll also find it at the seafood sections of grocery stores, usually sold in pound packs.

Seasoning Ideas

Mahi-mahi embraces a rich collection of flavors, which is why it’s easy to prepare in recipes. But for a more tropical feel, consider adding slices of lemon and lime to the mix. You can also drizzle some lemon juice and garlic to boost the flavor or include parsley and butter for a mouth-watering finish.

Influencing your mahi-mahi’s flavor can come in various ways. For example, you can combine some dry spices like cumin, oregano, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and many others. You can chop some tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos mangoes, and other fresh ingredients to make salsa. Or you can stick with a simple salt and black pepper combo to keep the flavor as basic but tasty as possible.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @mslulita

Mahi-mahi Cooking Time and Methods

Now that you know how impressive mahi-mahi’s flavor can turn out, it’s time to move to cook duration. But because the fish can be prepared in many ways, it may be hard to keep track of a universal system. To help, consider these specific cooking methods and the recommended time it requires to finish mahi-mahi.

On the Stove

Blot the fish with paper towels, as the moisture will affect the searing process. Then, season it on both sides as desired. Place a cast-iron skillet over the stove and let it grow smoking hot. Then add some olive oil, followed by the mahi-mahi. Leave the fillets to sear undisturbed until the sides are cooked halfway through. Then, flip the fillets and cook the other side the same way. This process should take about eight minutes, at four for each side. Once done, transfer the mahi-mahi fillets to a plate and serve.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Everett Farms (@everettfarms_)

In the Oven

Set the oven, so it heats to 425F, and rinse the mahi-mahi fillets. Then, set them on a non-stick baking tray and season as desired. Slide the baking pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then, serve with your favorite sauce or side dishes.

On the Grill

Set the grill to medium heat and while it preheats, season your mahi-mahi fillets. Then, grease the grate and arrange the fillets on the rack. Then, cover the lid and cook for six to eight minutes, flipping halfway through the time. By this time, the fish should easily flake when cut with a fork. Serve as desired once done.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nico’s At Pier 38 (@nicospier38)

In an Air Fryer

Let the air fryer heat to 400F and while you wait, season the mahi-mahi with olive oil and spice rub. Then, arrange the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in one layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, once ready, serve as desired.

In a Steamer

You’ll need Ti or banana leaves to steam mahi-mahi, and these can be gotten at Mexican or Asian markets. Cut the leaves into strips large enough to house your fillets. Then, cut each fillet into equal halves, doing it gently so the flesh isn’t crushed. Place the Mahi-Mahi on a plate, season to taste, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then, take them out, arrange two leaf strips in an overlapped cross pattern, and wrap the mahi-mahi fillets with them. Cook the mahi-mahi wraps in a steamer basket for six to 10 minutes, then remove them from the wrappings and serve as desired.