Tropical Grilled Mahi Mahi with Citrus-Cilantro Marinade
This Tropical Grilled Mahi Mahi recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the West Indies to your kitchen. The combination of zesty lime and sweet orange juice creates a bright marinade, enhanced with the herbal notes of fresh cilantro and the warm spices of allspice and cumin. Jalapeño peppers add a hint of heat, while honey balances the flavors perfectly. It's a nutritious, easy-to-prepare dish that's perfect for summer barbecues or a light weeknight dinner. Each serving is packed with protein and low in calories, making it a healthy choice the whole family will love.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (juiced)
Fresh orange juice
1/4 cup (juiced)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Seedless jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
2 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves, peeled
2 (peeled)
Green onions, chopped
2 (chopped)
Mahi mahi fillets
4 (6 ounce) (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl or food processor, combine the lime juice, orange juice, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, allspice, cumin, jalapeños, garlic, and green onions. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
2
Place the mahi mahi fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
3
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning the fish halfway through to allow for even marination.
4
Prepare your grill or preheat your broiler to medium-high heat.
5
Remove the marinated fish from the dish and set aside the remaining marinade for basting.
6
Lightly spray your grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the mahi mahi on it.
7
Grill or broil the fish for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets easily flake with a fork, basting frequently with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Grilled Mahi Mahi?
It is a West Indian-inspired dish featuring grilled mahi mahi fillets marinated in a vibrant citrus and cilantro blend.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 (6-ounce) mahi mahi fillets, known for their firm texture and mild flavor.
How long should I marinate the Mahi Mahi?
The fish should be refrigerated in the marinade for 30 minutes, turning it halfway through for even coating.
What citrus juices are in the marinade?
The marinade uses a combination of 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 2 finely chopped seedless jalapeo peppers.
What spices are used for the tropical flavor?
Ground allspice and ground cumin are used to provide warm, tropical herbal notes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler set to medium-high heat as an alternative to a grill.
How do I know when the Mahi Mahi is done?
The fish is cooked when the fillets easily flake with a fork, usually after 5 minutes per side.
What prevents the fish from sticking to the grill?
Lightly spray your grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray before placing the fish on it.
Should I save the marinade?
Yes, set aside the remaining marinade to baste the fish frequently during grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.
What aromatics are in the marinade?
The marinade includes 2 peeled garlic cloves and 2 chopped green onions.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no dairy ingredients.
Can I use a food processor for the marinade?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth.
What is the sweetener used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey to balance the citrus acidity.
Is low sodium soy sauce required?
The recipe recommends 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce for better salt control.
What oil should be used?
The marinade uses 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, provided the mahi mahi fillets are fully thawed before you begin the marinating process.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
What temperature should I use for grilling?
The grill should be prepared for medium-high heat.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein, low in calories, and utilizes fresh ingredients.
Can I use other types of fish?
While designed for mahi mahi, other firm white fish like halibut or swordfish would also work.
Should I peel the garlic?
Yes, the 2 garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the marinade.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
It uses fresh cilantro and fresh green onions for the best flavor profile.
How often should I baste the fish?
You should baste frequently throughout the 10-minute total cooking time.
Is the jalapeo seeded?
Yes, the recipe specifies seedless jalapeo peppers to manage the heat level.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be blended ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What is the prep time for the fish?
Preparing the fish involves a 30-minute marination period plus the time to blend the marinade.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
You can substitute lemon, but lime provides the specific zesty flavor intended for this tropical dish.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, its bright flavors and grilling method make it perfect for summer outdoor cooking.