Seared Mahi Mahi with Nectarine Avocado Salsa is the perfect summertime meal that will help you beat the heat, and keep you feeling light on your toes.
If you love seafood, check out these other delicious recipes I know you'll enjoy: Shrimp Rangoon Garlic Toasts, Salmon Burgers with Miso and Sugar Snap Peas, Coconut Crusted Tuna Steaks, Four Ingredient Jammin' Salmon, and super simple Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Bites.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Why this easy summer recipe works
- The versatility of nectarine and avocado salsa:
- What works best for this recipe? Fresh or frozen mahi mahi?
- How to properly sear mahi mahi fish fillets?
- Can other fish be used as a substitute for mahi mahi?
- Can nectarine avocado salsa be made in advance?
- Can other fruit be used in place of the nectarines in this recipe?
- How long does this quick mahi mahi recipe take to make?
- Why is pan-seared mahi mahi so easy to make?
- What is the best pan to use for searing fish?
- How to know when a fish fillet is ready to flip?
- The step-by-step photo instructions:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- large skillet
- chefs knife
- cutting board
- vegetable peeler
- fish spatula
- citrus juicer (optional)
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- plastic wrap
Why this easy summer recipe works
As long as you prepare and chill the nectarine-avocado salsa in advance, this dinner can be on your table in under 15 minutes.
Perfect for those busy nights when cooking isn't high on your list of priorities, but you still want something easy and delicious for dinner without ordering takeout.
The versatility of nectarine and avocado salsa:
Even though this recipe calls for Mahi Mahi, don't let it stop you from making this fruit and vegetable salsa for all sorts of uses.
The cool, creaminess of this delicious nectarine salsa pairs swimmingly (yeah, I went there! LOL) with all kinds of fish, shrimp, crab, and even chicken, or as an appetizing dip for tortilla chips.
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What works best for this recipe? Fresh or frozen mahi mahi?
I used frozen mahi mahi filets that I thawed completely overnight in the refrigerator. However, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on fresh mahi mahi filets, by all means, use those!
The filets I used for this recipe were approximately 5 ounces each, and I had four of them.
How to properly sear mahi mahi fish fillets?
Take the time to pat the filets dry on both sides with a paper towel while the skillet and the avocado oil are heating over medium to medium-high heat.
Season one side of each patted filet with salt and pepper to taste. When the oil shimmers in the pan, it's time to add the fish.
Add the filets, seasoned side down in the pan, and once they're in, season the second side with salt and pepper to taste.
Allow the fillets to sear on the first side for approximately 5 minutes. You'll know when the fish is ready to be flipped when the fillets release easily from the skillet without sticking too much.
Gently flip each filet to the second side and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes before removing them from the pan and serving.
Can other fish be used as a substitute for mahi mahi?
Sure. Use your favorite.
However, if you want a fish that is similar in flavor to mahi mahi, grouper, or swordfish are your best choices.
Can nectarine avocado salsa be made in advance?
It sure can. The citric acid in the lime juice helps prevent the avocados from oxidizing and turning brown quickly.
Store the salsa, covered well in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to three days.
As an extra precaution, you can also place plastic cling wrap directly on top of the salsa, ensuring you press out the air, before adding an airtight lid to the container.
Can other fruit be used in place of the nectarines in this recipe?
Yes.
Feel free to use any stone fruit you enjoy. Peaches, plums, apricots, and even cherries are suitable options. Of course, removing the pits (i.e., stones) from the cherries is especially imperative.
How long does this quick mahi mahi recipe take to make?
Not long at all. If the salsa has been made in advance, searing the fish takes only 10-15 minutes before it's ready for the dinner plate. Since the salsa is a cold component of the plate, this quick mahi mahi dinner is ready for the dinner table in 15 minutes or less.
Why is pan-seared mahi mahi so easy to make?
As long as the oil shimmers in the pan before adding the dried fish fillets, and you allow the fish to cook on the first side without fiddling with it, you'll achieve a beautifully seared fish fillet that'll be easy to flip.
What is the best pan to use for searing fish?
I used a large non-stick skillet, but any large skillet will work as long as you follow the simple tips and tricks (mentioned above) for making easy pan-seared mahi mahi.
How to know when a fish fillet is ready to flip?
When the fish gently releases from the pan without sticking, you know it's seared and ready to flip.
The step-by-step photo instructions:
- Dice one cup of red onion, and three pitted nectarines.
- Peel and use a spoon to seed one cucumber. Or, use an English cucumber and then no seeding is required.
- Dice the cucumber and place the ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Remove the seed and skin from two avocados and cut into bite sized chunks.
- Place the cut avocado into the bowl with the onion, nectarine and cucumber.
- Squeeze the juice of two limes over the avocado.
- Add salt, pepper, ground coriander, and cilantro paste. Carefully mix the ingredients until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Served over seared Mahi Mahi or your favorite seafood.
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
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Printable Recipe Card
Seared Mahi Mahi with Nectarine Avocado Salsa
Equipment
- citrus juicer optional
Ingredients
For the salsa
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 2 cups diced nectarines
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 2 cup diced avocados
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
For the fish
- 4 5 ounce Mahi Mahi filets
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Tools and equipment
Instructions
To make the salsa:
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and gently mix to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
To make the fish:
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat.
- Season the Mahi-Mahi filets on both sides.
- Carefully add the filets to the hot skillet and cook until seared and golden (approximately 5 minutes) on the first side.
- Carefully flip the fish.
- Sear and brown the second side (approximately 3-4 more minutes) until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
- To serve, plate the fish and top with the cold salsa.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making (and eating) today's delicious seared mahi mahi recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
What a great, fresh summer recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Fruit salsa over fish is like one of my favorite things to have in the summer. ooo I am so excited about the nectarines!
Cookin Canuck says
A gorgeous salsa? Mahi mahi? You've sold me, Renee. This is exactly the sort of healthy recipe my family would gobble up.
Sharon @ What the Fork Food Blog says
Oh YUM! Anything with avocado you can count me in! Delicious!
Nutmeg Nanny says
What an awesome way to use up summer nectarines! Love that you paired it with mahi mahi!
Michelle Goth says
I LOVE mahi! Great way to incorporate fresh produce too!
Laura at I Heart Naptime says
This looks amazing - and what a perfect summertime meal!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
Mahi Mahi has to be one of my favorite fish to eat! 🙂 And I love that salsa- such great flavors for summertime!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
This is such a beautiful summer dish!