Description
A quick and flavorful pan-seared mahi mahi recipe featuring a rich umami butter sauce made with fish sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. This dish delivers a perfectly seared, tender fish with a savory, buttery sauce in just 30 minutes, ideal for an elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 – 1 1/2 lb fresh mahi mahi fillets, skin-on or off
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Umami Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (preferably Red Boat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons packed light or dark brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon lightly dried parsley or freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season & rest the fish: Season the mahi mahi fillets generously on all sides with Old Bay seasoning and place them on a large plate or platter. Let the fish come to room temperature by resting for about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prep the umami sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the fish sauce, fresh lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside.
- Sear the fish: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Swirl the skillet to coat the bottom evenly. Add the mahi mahi fillets and cook undisturbed until the bottom forms a golden-brown crust and the sides look cooked halfway up, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Add umami sauce & butter, then simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Add the pieces of unsalted butter and let it melt while gently simmering for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the parsley over the fillets, then use a spoon to baste the fish with the buttery sauce. Turn off the heat and continue to baste and swirl the skillet for about 20 seconds to blend flavors with residual heat.
- Serve: Transfer the pan-seared mahi mahi fillets to serving plates along with the umami butter sauce. Pair with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal. Enjoy this savory, buttery fish dish fresh and hot.
Notes
- Letting the fish come to room temperature before cooking ensures even searing and prevents sticking.
- Use a fish spatula or similar thin, flexible utensil to flip delicate fillets without breaking them.
- Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your taste preference.
- The umami sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; rewarm gently before adding to the skillet.
- Pair this dish with light sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.