Crispy Orange-Graham Crusted Mahi Mahi
Elevate your seafood dining experience with this Crispy Orange-Graham Crusted Mahi Mahi. Inspired by a spontaneous encounter with fresh oranges and graham crackers, this dish merges vibrant citrus flavors with a satisfying crunch. Ideal for a special dinner or a charming get-together, this recipe results in tender, flaky fish enveloped in a sweet and zesty crust. Paired perfectly with a refreshing tomato-mango salsa or sautéed seasonal vegetables, this dish offers a delightful contrast of tastes and textures. Feel free to substitute mahi mahi with other steak-like fish such as swordfish or salmon, based on your preference. Indulge in an unforgettable seafood journey that's sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi
2.5 (lbs, cut into 1-1.5 inch steaks)
Orange Zest
2 (tablespoons)
Brown Sugar
0.25 (cup)
Graham Cracker Crumbs
0.5 (cup)
Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5 (tablespoon)
Fresh Orange Juice
2 (tablespoons)
Cilantro
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Onion
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 (teaspoons)
Coriander
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create a perfect baking environment for the fish.
2
In a glass bowl, wash the mahi mahi steaks with fresh lemon juice, then drain any excess liquid.
3
Add the orange zest, brown sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, cilantro, parsley, onions, and coriander to the fish. Coat both sides well and let the fish marinate for 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with a pinch of salt and mix thoroughly. If you prefer a finer texture, feel free to blitz the graham crackers in a food processor.
5
After marinating, evenly coat each mahi mahi steak with the graham cracker mixture, pressing down gently to adhere.
6
Place the coated fish on a non-stick baking tray. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the fillets to enhance the crust's crispiness.
7
Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Serve the mahi mahi hot, garnished with fresh herbs, and alongside your choice of salsa or sautéed vegetables.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
12.25g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Orange-Graham Crusted Mahi Mahi?
It is a seafood dish featuring mahi mahi steaks coated in a citrusy orange and graham cracker crust, offering a blend of sweet and zesty flavors.
How many calories are in this mahi mahi recipe?
This recipe contains 180 calories per serving.
How long does the mahi mahi need to marinate?
The fish should be left to marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors of the orange, lemon, and herbs.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for optimal baking.
What other fish can I use instead of mahi mahi?
You can substitute mahi mahi with other steak-like fish such as swordfish or salmon.
How do I prepare the graham crackers for the crust?
You can crush them into crumbs or blitz them in a food processor if you prefer a finer texture.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring fresh ingredients and lean protein.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 21.25 grams of protein.
What side dishes are recommended with this fish?
It pairs perfectly with a refreshing tomato-mango salsa or sauteed seasonal vegetables.
Can I use bottled orange juice for this recipe?
While bottled juice works, the recipe specifies fresh orange juice for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
How long does the mahi mahi take to bake?
The fish should bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
Why is aluminum foil used during baking?
Covering the tray with aluminum foil helps retain moisture so the fish stays tender and flaky.
What is the role of brown sugar in the crust?
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the zesty orange and lemon flavors.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 6.5 grams of fat per serving.
How can I tell if the mahi mahi is fully cooked?
The fish is ready when it is tender and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Are fresh herbs necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh cilantro and parsley to provide a vibrant, fresh taste.
How much mahi mahi is required?
You will need 2.5 pounds of mahi mahi cut into 1 to 1.5 inch steaks.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling over the fillets to enhance the crust's crispiness.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 12.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the coriander in this dish?
Chopped coriander is used as part of the marinade to add earthy, aromatic notes to the fish.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving contains 0.5 grams of fiber.
Should I wash the fish before marinating it?
The instructions suggest washing the steaks with fresh lemon juice and draining any excess liquid before adding other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the standard graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe requires two tablespoons of orange zest.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The dish features a tender, flaky interior with a sweet and crispy outer crust.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an unforgettable seafood journey sure to impress guests.
How thick should the mahi mahi steaks be?
The mahi mahi should be cut into steaks that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
What should I garnish the dish with?
Serve the mahi mahi hot and garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it an easy option for cleanup.
How much lemon juice is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in the marinade, in addition to the juice used for washing the fish.