Lemon & Garlic Mahi Mahi 🐠
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 (4-oz.) mahi mahi fillets
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 lemons, 1 sliced, 1 zested, juiced
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
Detailed Steps:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. oil until butter is melted. Add mahi mahi; season with salt and black pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
In same skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Add asparagus and cook, tossing occasionally, until tender, 2 to 4 minutes; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to plate with fish.
In same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute, then stir in lemon slices, zest, and juice, and parsley. Remove from heat. Return mahi mahi and asparagus to skillet and spoon sauce over.
Top with more parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Total Time: 30 mins.
Servings: 4
Mahi mahi, a firm and lean fish, pairs beautifully with bright citrus flavors and garlic, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, flavorful meal. Cooking mahi mahi with butter and extra-virgin olive oil helps keep the fish moist and tender while imparting richness. Seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances its natural flavor without overpowering the dish. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable that cooks quickly in a skillet, offering a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. When sautéed with olive oil and seasoned simply, it maintains its freshness, complementing the hearty mahi mahi. The lemon garlic butter sauce is key to this dish. Combining garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes with butter creates a savory, aromatic base. The addition of lemon slices, zest, and juice adds a refreshing acidity that brightens the dish and balances the richness of butter and fish. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a subtle herbaceous note and visual appeal. Preparing this recipe requires minimal time—about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes total—making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want a quick yet satisfying meal. The pan-cooking method ensures easy cleanup and allows all the flavors to meld as the fish and asparagus are returned to the skillet to be coated in the luscious sauce. This dish provides a good source of protein and vitamins from the fish and asparagus, as well as healthy fats from olive oil. Perfect for those following a balanced diet or looking to incorporate more seafood into their meals, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious. To vary the recipe, you can substitute asparagus with other seasonal vegetables like green beans or zucchini. Additionally, swapping parsley with fresh dill or basil can introduce different flavor profiles, while maintaining the fresh, vibrant essence of the dish. Overall, Lemon & Garlic Mahi Mahi with asparagus is a versatile, easy-to-make entrée that brings together fresh ingredients and bright flavors suited for everyday meals or special occasions.
