Italian Mahi Mahi Piccata

This Italian Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce is made with mahi mahi, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon, capers, and parsley. 

If you are looking for an amazing South Florida eats, Mahi Mahi is a very popular dish here. The best way to make it? Lemons, capers, and lots and lots of butter.

One great thing about Mahi-mahi is that it is a low-calorie fish that is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Additionally, Mahi-mahi is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and pan-frying, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers.

Check out my Tuna Tartare with Avocado and my Beer Battered Halibut.

Jump to:

• What is Mahi Mahi?
• What are the benefits for eating Mahi Mahi?
• Ingredients
• How to make Italian Mahi Mahi Recipe
• What to serve with Mahi Mahi?
• Substitutions
• Mahi Mahi Recipe Variations
• What’s the best way to cook mahi mahi?
• Equipment
• How to store Mahi Mahi
• Mahi Mahi Recipe Top tips
• Mahi Mahi Recipe

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish, is a type of fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is a surface-dwelling fish that typically lives in the open ocean and is known for its bright colors, with a blue-green back and yellow sides. Mahi-mahi is a lean fish with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor, and it is a popular choice for seafood lovers due to its versatility and health benefits. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and pan-frying, and is commonly used in seafood dishes such as ceviche, tacos, and salads.

What are the benefits for eating Mahi Mahi?

Mahi-mahi is a nutritious fish that offers several health benefits, including:

• High in protein: Mahi-mahi is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
• Low in calories: Mahi-mahi is a low-calorie fish that can help you maintain a healthy weight when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Mahi-mahi is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals: Mahi-mahi is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium.
• May support brain health: The omega-3 fatty acids found in Mahi-mahi may help support brain health, including cognitive function and memory.

Ingredients

• Mahi Mahi
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic
• Red Pepper Flakes
• White Wine
• Lemon
• Capers
• Parsley
• Salt and Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Italian Mahi Mahi Recipe

See video below for step by step instructions.

Hint: Make sure not to overcook the fish, and buy the freshest fish possible.

What to serve with Mahi Mahi?

Mahi Mahi is a versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Mahi Mahi:

• Rice: Serve Mahi Mahi with your favorite type of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice. You can also add herbs or spices to the rice for added flavor.
• Quinoa: Mahi Mahi also goes well with quinoa, which is a protein-rich grain that is easy to prepare.
• Vegetables: Serve Mahi Mahi with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or green beans. You can also sauté the vegetables with garlic and olive oil for added flavor.
• Salad: Serve Mahi Mahi with a simple green salad, topped with your favorite dressing.
• Pasta: Mahi Mahi can also be served with pasta, such as angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti. Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and serve it alongside the Mahi Mahi.
• Bread: Serve Mahi Mahi with a side of crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Substitutions

If you are looking for substitutions to make Mahi Mahi Piccata, here are some options:

• Fish: If you cannot find Mahi Mahi, you can substitute it with other firm, white-fleshed fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia.
• Garlic: If you don't have garlic, you could substitute with onions, shallots, ginger or garlic powder.
• Lemon juice: If you do not have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice instead.
• Capers: If you do not like the taste of capers, you can omit them or substitute them with chopped green olives or chopped artichoke hearts.
• White wine: If you do not have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth or even water. However, the flavor of the dish may be slightly different.

Remember, substitutions may alter the taste of the dish, so choose the ones that you think will work best for you and your preferences.

Mahi Mahi Recipe Variations

• Mahi Mahi Piccata with Tomatoes: Add some chopped tomatoes to the sauce to give the dish a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.
• Mahi Mahi Piccata with Mushrooms: Add some sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor that complements the tanginess of the lemon.
• Mahi Mahi Piccata with Spinach: Add some fresh spinach to the sauce for a healthy and flavorful addition that goes well with the fish.
• Mahi Mahi Piccata with Olives: Add some chopped green olives to the sauce for a briny and tangy flavor that complements the lemon and capers.

Check out this Sautéed Flounder Lemon Capers as well!

What’s the best way to cook mahi mahi?

Mahi Mahi is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preference. Here are some of the best ways to cook Mahi Mahi:

• Sautéing: Sautéing Mahi Mahi is a quick and easy way to cook it. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat, and cook the seasoned fish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned.
• Grilling: Mahi Mahi can be grilled to perfection in just a few minutes. Brush the fish with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Grill the fish over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and slightly charred.
• Baking: Mahi Mahi can also be baked in the oven. Place the seasoned fish in a baking dish and bake it at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
• Pan-searing: Pan-searing Mahi Mahi is another great option. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat, and cook the seasoned fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
• Broiling: Mahi Mahi can also be broiled in the oven for a crispy exterior. Brush the fish with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Broil the fish on high for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and slightly browned.

Equipment

To make this Mahi Mahi Recipe, you will need some basic kitchen equipment:

• Skillet or frying pan: A skillet or frying pan is used to cook the fish fillets.
• Kitchen tongs: Tongs are helpful for turning the fish fillets and for removing them from the skillet.
• Cutting board and knife: A cutting board and sharp knife are needed to prep the ingredients, such as slicing the fish and chopping herbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are useful for measuring the ingredients for the sauce.
• Lemon juicer: A lemon juicer can make it easier to extract the juice from the lemon.
• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic easily and quickly.
• Serving dish: A platter or serving dish can be used to present the Mahi Mahi Piccata.

How to store Mahi Mahi

To store cooked Mahi Mahi, it is important to cool it down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Here are some tips for storing Mahi Mahi:

1. Refrigerating cooked Mahi Mahi: If you plan to eat the Mahi Mahi within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
2. Freezing cooked Mahi Mahi: If you want to freeze the Mahi Mahi for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. To reheat cooked Mahi Mahi: Thaw frozen Mahi Mahi in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. It's best to reheat the Mahi Mahi in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Mahi Mahi Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips to consider when making this Mahi Mahi Recipe:

• Pat the fish dry: Make sure to pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking them. This will help the fish to sear and brown properly.
• Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh herbs, lemons, and garlic for the best flavor.
• Don't overcook the fish: Mahi Mahi is a lean fish and can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook the fish until it is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
• Rest the fish: After cooking the Mahi Mahi, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the fish more tender and moist.
• Use a non-stick skillet: To prevent the fish from sticking to the skillet, use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Garnish the Mahi Mahi with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, before serving for added flavor and presentation.

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