Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce Recipe

ByElara Stone
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This pan-seared mahi mahi with umami butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of savory fish sauce, fresh lemon, and brown butter creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the golden, flaky fillets.

The dish shows a white plate on a white marbled surface, with three layers of food. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture and small black pepper specks. On top of the mashed potatoes, there is a layer of bright green cooked green beans placed in a neat pile. The top layer features a large piece of golden-brown grilled fish, seasoned with green herbs and a shiny glaze, with a small portion flaked open to show the white inside. Two lemon wedges rest beside the green beans on the left side of the plate. To the left of the plate, gold-colored fork and knife are placed. The food looks fresh and vibrant with hints of seasoning and herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 – 1 1/2 lb fresh mahi mahi, cut into fillets with skin-on or off
  • Old Bay seasoning, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (such as 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

  1. Step 1: Season the mahi mahi fillets generously on all sides with Old Bay seasoning. Set them aside on a large plate or platter to rest and come to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this umami sauce mixture aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, swirl to coat the pan evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add the mahi mahi fillets to the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom and the sides are cooked about halfway up, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula or similar utensil. Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the umami sauce into the skillet, then add the butter pieces. Let the sauce and butter simmer together until melted and combined, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the parsley over the fillets, then baste the fish with the sauce using a spoon. Remove the skillet from heat and continue basting and gently swirling the fillets in the sauce for about 20 seconds to meld the flavors.
  8. Step 8: Serve the pan-seared mahi mahi with umami butter sauce immediately alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For a crispier skin, pat the fish dry before seasoning and ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fillets.
  • Substitute parsley with fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbaceous note.
  • If you prefer less saltiness, reduce the soy sauce and fish sauce amounts slightly.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat kick.

Storage

Store leftover mahi mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the fish and sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish quickly.

How to Serve

Four pieces of golden-brown cooked fish sit in a black pan, each piece covered with small green herb leaves and tiny seeds, all coated in a shiny, sticky sauce that pools slightly around the fish. The fish pieces have a slightly crispy texture with visible seasoning, and the sauce reflects the light, giving the dish a warm, appetizing glow. The pan has a dark, well-used surface that contrasts with the vibrant color of the fish and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mahi mahi for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the fillets and pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve a better sear and texture.

Is fish sauce very strong in flavor?

Fish sauce has a potent umami flavor that mellows when cooked and combined with lemon, soy sauce, and butter. If you’re new to it, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that combines perfectly seared mahi mahi fillets with a rich, savory umami butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe highlights the delicate texture of mahi mahi enhanced by a blend of fish sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and butter. It’s an elegant yet simple meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or green beans.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 1 – 1 1/2 lb fresh mahi mahi, cut into fillets with skin-on or off
  • Old Bay seasoning, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Umami Butter Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (I use Red Boat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon lightly dried parsley or freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Season & Rest the Fish: On a large plate or platter, season the mahi mahi fillets on all sides with Old Bay seasoning to your taste. Set the fish aside and let it come to room temperature by resting for about 20 minutes.
  2. Prep the Umami Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine fish sauce, fresh lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until fully combined and set aside.
  3. Sear the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, swirl it around to coat the skillet evenly. Place the mahi mahi fillets gently into the skillet, cooking undisturbed until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom and the sides are cooked halfway up the fillets, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until the fillets are opaque and easily flake with a fork.
  4. Add Umami Sauce & Butter, Then Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared umami sauce into the skillet, followed by the unsalted butter pieces. Allow the sauce and butter to simmer together until the butter fully melts, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley, then baste the fillets generously with the sauce using a spoon. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove, continuing to baste and swirl the fillets with the sauce for about 20 seconds using residual heat to meld the flavors.
  5. Serve: Plate the pan-seared mahi mahi fillets with the umami butter sauce spooned over the top. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes or green beans. Enjoy your delicious and visually appealing meal!

Notes

  • Allowing the fish to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and better searing.
  • If you prefer less salt, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust fish sauce accordingly.
  • Use a fish spatula or a thin, flexible spatula to avoid breaking the fillets while flipping.
  • The umami sauce can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of brown sugar or lemon juice.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried parsley works well in a pinch.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pan-seared mahi mahi, umami butter sauce, quick fish recipe, seafood dinner, mahi mahi fillets, easy pan-seared fish

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Avatar photo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆