Mediterranean-Style Mahi Mahi with Olive-Shallot Tapenade
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Mahi Mahi recipe. Featuring succulent fish topped with a vibrant and tangy olive and shallot tapenade, this dish is a culinary delight that combines fresh herbs and rich flavors. Inspired by the Cheesecake Factory's beloved dish, this recipe will not only impress your guests but also become a weeknight favorite. The combination of garlic, oregano, and briny olives perfectly complements the flaky texture of the Mahi Mahi, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Serve it alongside a light salad or your favorite grain for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
4
Servings
160
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
10 tablespoons (divided)
garlic
1/4 cup (minced (about 10 cloves), divided)
fresh oregano
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Mahi Mahi steaks
4 (6 ounce) (bone-in or skin-on)
mixed olives
1 cup (in brine, pitted (e.g., kalamata, picholine, and niçoise))
fresh chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
shallots
2 (thinly sliced)
fresh thyme
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and chopped oregano. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Rub this mixture all over the Mahi Mahi steaks. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2
While the fish is marinating, prepare the tapenade. Soak the mixed olives in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce their brininess, then drain and repeat the soaking for another 30 minutes. After draining, chop the olives and set aside.
3
In a blender, combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil and chopped fresh chives. Blend until thoroughly combined. For a smoother consistency, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, chopped thyme, and the chopped olives; cook for an additional 3 minutes until heated through. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.
5
In another large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the Mahi Mahi steaks, skin side up, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the steaks and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork.
6
Once cooked, transfer the Mahi Mahi to individual serving plates. Generously spoon the olive-shallot mixture over each steak, followed by a drizzle of the chive oil. Serve immediately, enjoying the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
2g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean-Style Mahi Mahi with Olive-Shallot Tapenade?
It is a flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent Mahi Mahi steaks topped with a tangy, vibrant tapenade made from mixed olives, shallots, and fresh herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional highlights of this dish?
Each serving contains 160 calories, 14g of protein, 11.25g of fat, and only 2g of carbohydrates.
How long should I marinate the Mahi Mahi?
The fish should be marinated for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the garlic, oregano, and olive oil flavors to meld.
What kind of olives are best for the tapenade?
A mixture of pitted olives in brine, such as Kalamata, Picholine, and Niçoise, is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How do I reduce the saltiness of the olives?
Soak the olives in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and repeat the process for another 30 minutes before chopping them.
How do you make the chive oil?
Blend 4 tablespoons of olive oil with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives until combined, then strain through cheesecloth for a smoother texture.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh oregano for the marinade, fresh chives for the oil, and fresh thyme for the olive-shallot mixture.
How long do I cook the Mahi Mahi?
Sauté the steaks skin-side up for 3 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Is this recipe inspired by any restaurant?
Yes, this dish is inspired by a popular Mediterranean-style Mahi Mahi dish from the Cheesecake Factory.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced garlic, which is approximately 10 cloves, divided between the marinade and the tapenade.
Can I use skin-on Mahi Mahi?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using 4 (6 ounce) Mahi Mahi steaks that are either bone-in or skin-on.
What goes into the olive-shallot tapenade?
The tapenade consists of sautéed shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, and soaked, chopped mixed olives.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe uses 10 tablespoons of olive oil in total, divided across the marinade, chive oil, and cooking processes.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent choice for low-carb or ketogenic lifestyles.
What should I serve with this Mahi Mahi?
It is delicious served alongside a light garden salad or your favorite cooked grain.
How are the shallots prepared?
Two shallots should be thinly sliced and sautéed for about 2 minutes until softened before adding the tapenade ingredients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities (roughly one-third the amount of fresh).
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this Mahi Mahi dish provides 160 calories.
How do I know the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is ready when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 11.25g per serving, primarily from the heart-healthy olive oil.
How much salt is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt, divided into the marinade and the tapenade.
What is the role of the chive oil?
The chive oil is used as a final drizzle over the fish to add a bright, fresh herbal note and a beautiful presentation.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
This recipe provides 14g of protein per serving.
Are there any sugars in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there are 0g of sugar in this dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include seafood, mediterranean, healthy, dinner, quick meal, and tapenade.
Can I use other types of fish?
While Mahi Mahi is preferred for its texture, other firm white fish like halibut or cod could be used as substitutes.
What is the purpose of the 1-hour marination?
Marinating for at least an hour ensures the garlic and oregano penetrate the fish steaks for maximum flavor.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The garlic should be finely minced and divided; half for the fish rub and half for the tapenade.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, although it requires marination time, the actual cooking time is relatively fast, making it suitable for a special weeknight dinner.