Flaky, delicious, perfectly grilled mahi mahi topped with a well-balanced salsa made with strawberries, basil, and red onion. The perfect summer dish to cure your seafood craving. Try it out today!
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Peace family,
I supposed I’ve been on a seafood kick lately. My Creamy Shrimp Piccata has been on my mind ever since the last time I made it and my Air Fryer Spicy Coconut Shrimp has been in constant rotation the past few weeks. My husband introduced me to Mahi Mahi a few years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s so simple and so easy to prepare, especially in a cast iron grill pan. If you don’t have a grill pan, fret not. This recipe is just as delicious when pan grilled in a plain old cast iron skillet, which is a household staple for many home cooks like myself. Mahi Mahi is not difficult to find at all, and should be located with salmon, shrimp, and similar products in your grocer’s freezer or fresh seafood section. It’s also inexpensive, which is always a plus.
My strawberry basil salsa is also a bona fide show stopper, without being overpowering. It’s satisfyingly delicious, incredibly simple to make and not to mention gorgeous as all get out. What could be better? Okay, you can probably think of something, but listen – I really love this salsa. With many seafood dishes, cooks tend to gravitate toward traditional tomato-based salsas, or even mango or pineapple salsas. Those are all delicious choices that could pair well with this grilled Mahi Mahi, but trust me; the strawberry salsa is fresh, unexpected, and absolutely will not disappoint. Try something new!
Let’s get into some frequently asked questions.
What does Grilled Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
To me, Mahi Mahi is very mild in flavor with a firm texture, and not “fishy” at all. This means you can get pretty creative with the spices and flavors without worrying about it clashing with the taste of the fish. The firm texture makes it perfect for grilling without fearing that it might tear or fall apart. I like my fish on the spicy side, so I tend to use spices such as cayenne pepper, which you’ll notice below. This is especially evident if you’ve tried my Blackened Catfish. SO good. Be sure to check it out.
Is Mahi Mahi healthy?
Mahi Mahi is a good source of protein, iron, and B Vitamin. It doesn’t contain carbs, making it great for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.
What Do You Eat Mahi Mahi with?
This dish can be served:
- As is (my favorite)
- Over a bed of greens
- With Cauliflower Rice
- With a side of green beans, brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach
How do you know when Mahi Mahi is done?
Mahi Mahi is done when it easily flakes and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Overcooking Mahi Mahi will result in a tough, chewy, rubbery brick, which is exactly what you do not want to happen.
How to Make Grilled Mahi Mahi with Strawberry Basil Salsa | Keto, Low-Carb
Start by seasoning both sides of your Mahi Mahi with some good old kosher salt, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Seasoning both sides will maximize the flavor and make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Please, please, please, don’t season the top only. I beg of you.
Next, add the extra virgin olive oil to a cast iron grill pan and allow to heat for about two minutes over medium heat. If you do not have any extra virgin olive oil available, another high heat oil, such as avocado oil or grape seed oil, will work in its’ place.
Then, add the Mahi Mahi to the pan and allow to cook for approximately five minutes. Resist the urge to tamper with the fish before the five minutes is up. This will ensure that you get a good, crusty sear, which is what we’re going for here.
Flip the mahi mani, and allow to cook for an additional three minutes. Again – try to avoid tampering before it is done.
Remove the mahi mahi from pan and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to hit it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This is the perfect time to make your salsa, if you haven’t already.
Diced Strawberries
Freshly Chopped Basil
Diced Red Onion
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Fresh Lemon Juice
Toss the ingredients until they are well incorporated. Don’t forget to taste your salsa to see if you need to adjust any spices or ingredients to your liking. You da boss here!
Finally, plate your delicious and perfectly cooked Mahi Mahi with your choice of side dish and top with your delicious strawberry basil salsa. It’s going to look so pretty and taste so great. Your family will think you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Don’t even try to correct them, just have them believe whatever they will.
As usual, try it out and let me know what you think. You can do so in the comments below or on Instagram or Facebook. Just be sure to tag me so that I can show you off and brag about your kitchen skills.
Peace,
Adri
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Grilled Mahi Mahi with Strawberry Basil Salsa | Keto, Low-Carb
Flaky, delicious, perfectly grilled mahi mahi topped with a well-balanced salsa made with strawberries, basil, and red onion. The perfect summer dish to cure your seafood craving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Mahi Mahi
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Strawberry Basil Salsa
- 6 Large Strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped or torn (sprig removed)
- 1/8 cup Red Onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
Season fish on both sides with the salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
Add the extra virgin olive oil to a cast iron grill pan and allow to heat for about two minutes on medium.
Add fish to the pan and allow to cook for approximately five minutes.
Flip the fish, and allow to cook for an additional three minutes.
Remove from pan and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before topping with strawberry salsa and serving.
Strawberry Basil Salsa
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix with hands or spoon until ingredients are well incorporated.
Notes
If you don't have a cast iron grill pan, a regular pan will do just fine.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3-4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 332.57Total Fat: 19.45gSaturated Fat: 2.86gCholesterol: 142.13mgSodium: 524.84mgCarbohydrates: 1.96gNet Carbohydrates: 1.52gFiber: 0.44gSugar: 0.79gProtein: 36.19g
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