Zesty Grilled Mahi Mahi with Orange Ginger Glaze
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Zesty Grilled Mahi Mahi, marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, aromatic ginger, and rich dark soy sauce. This dish is a perfect harmony of citrus and umami, with the fish grilled to a tender perfection. Accompanied by a sweet and spicy orange ginger glaze, this meal is enhanced with fresh chives and a hint of brown sugar for depth. Serve alongside crisp steamed asparagus and fluffy rice for a complete culinary experience that will impress family and friends. Though the process may seem labor-intensive, the wonderful flavors and presentation are definitely well worth the effort.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi Steaks
4 (4-6 oz each, seasoned with salt and pepper)
Limes
2 (juiced)
Dark Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (low sodium)
Ginger Paste
1 1/2 tablespoons (fresh or store-bought)
Canola Oil
1 tablespoon (for marinade)
Chives
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Brown Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for glaze)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
2
Season the mahi mahi steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, dark soy sauce, ginger paste, and canola oil. Mix well until fully blended.
4
Place the seasoned mahi mahi steaks into a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over the fish. Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the fish to ensure even coverage. Refrigerate and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
5
While the fish is marinating, pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.
6
Stir in the brown sugar and butter into the reduced marinade, allowing it to melt and combine. Set aside to cool slightly.
7
Once marinated, remove the mahi mahi from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill the mahi mahi for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has beautiful grill marks.
8
To serve, plate each mahi mahi steak and generously drizzle the orange ginger glaze over the top. Garnish with chopped chives for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Mahi Mahi with Orange Ginger Glaze?
It is a flavorful seafood dish featuring grilled mahi mahi steaks marinated in a blend of lime juice, ginger, and soy sauce, finished with a sweet citrus glaze.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of freshly squeezed lime juice, dark soy sauce, ginger paste, and canola oil.
How long should the mahi mahi be marinated?
The fish should be marinated in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure optimal flavor without compromising the texture.
How do I prepare the grill for this recipe?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate to prevent the mahi mahi steaks from sticking.
How do I make the orange ginger glaze?
Boil the leftover marinade until it reduces by half, then stir in brown sugar and butter until melted and well combined.
What is the recommended cooking time for the mahi mahi?
Grill the mahi mahi for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until it has beautiful grill marks and the fish flakes easily.
How can I tell if the mahi mahi is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What size should the mahi mahi steaks be?
This recipe calls for four mahi mahi steaks that are approximately 4 to 6 ounces each.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger paste?
Yes, you can substitute 1.5 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger for the ginger paste mentioned in the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While tagged as gluten-free, you must ensure you use a gluten-free dark soy sauce or tamari, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.
Why must the leftover marinade be boiled?
Boiling the marinade is essential to eliminate any bacteria from the raw fish and to thicken it into a safe, delicious glaze.
What are the best sides to serve with this dish?
This meal is best served alongside crisp steamed asparagus and fluffy white or brown rice.
Can I substitute regular soy sauce for dark soy sauce?
Yes, regular soy sauce can be used, though dark soy sauce provides a richer color and a more intense umami flavor.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of canola oil, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work.
How should I season the fish before marinating?
Season both sides of the mahi mahi steaks with salt and pepper before placing them in the marinade.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in the glaze?
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and helps the glaze achieve a thick, syrupy consistency.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice is a suitable substitute, though it will slightly change the citrus profile of the dish.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Garnish the grilled mahi mahi with two tablespoons of freshly chopped chives for added color and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish on an indoor grill?
Yes, an indoor grill pan or griddle can be used on medium-high heat if an outdoor grill is not available.
What happens if I marinate the fish for too long?
Marinating for longer than 30 minutes may cause the lime juice to begin 'cooking' the fish, which can result in a mushy texture.
Should I leave the skin on the mahi mahi?
The recipe works with either skin-on or skinless steaks, but leaving the skin on during grilling can help the fish stay intact.
What does the butter do for the sauce?
Adding butter to the reduced marinade creates a rich, velvety texture and gives the glaze a professional, glossy finish.
Can I use frozen mahi mahi steaks?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before seasoning and marinating.
What are good substitutes for mahi mahi?
Halibut, swordfish, or thick cod fillets are excellent firm-fleshed alternatives for this grilling recipe.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a high-protein, relatively low-fat dish that features lean seafood and fresh citrus flavors.
Should I oil the fish directly?
The marinade contains oil, but it is still important to oil the grill grates to ensure the fish releases easily.
How can I make this dish spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the marinade to introduce some heat.
Why is it called 'Orange Ginger Glaze' if it uses limes?
The name refers to the citrus-forward ginger flavor profile; the lime juice provides the necessary acidity for the glaze base.
How much butter is required for the glaze?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of butter to be stirred into the reduced marinade.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a one-to-one replacement for brown sugar if you prefer its specific flavor in the glaze.