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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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