Hawaiian dishes are vibrant and flavorful. They contain the essence of the islands. Such as, use of coconut oil, tropical fruits like pineapple and mangoes, etc., and fish like mahi mahi gives you the taste and vibe of Hawaii. They bring the flavors of the island to your table.
Hawaiian fish recipes are popular worldwide. They make you feel like you’re on a beach, enjoying the sea while eating a delicious, tropical meal. Isn’t it tempting?
We will use these ingredients to make the ultimate Hawaiian fish dish. That’s why you’re here. As a perfect summer and tropical dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. So let’s get started!
Why is the Hawaiian Mahi Mahi Recipe So Popular?
Hawaii’s Mahi Mahi fish dish gains widespread acclaim globally. Want to know why? Here are some facts for you.
- Flavor and Texture: Mahi mahi has a mild, sweet flavor. Its firm texture makes it versatile and popular with many. It’s not too “fishy,” which makes it accessible to those who might be hesitant about seafood.
- Cultural Significance: Fish is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. Mahi mahi, native to the warm waters around the island, holds a special place. It appears in traditional dishes that celebrate the sea. So, it’s a symbol of the region’s rich maritime culture.
- Health Benefits: Mahi mahi is a lean protein. It’s low in fat and high in nutrients, like omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. This fits with the trend for healthier eating. It boosts its popularity.
- Culinary Versatility: Mahi mahi can be grilled, baked, or seared. It can also be used raw, in dishes like poke. It goes well with many flavors. These include tropical fruits, like pineapple and mango. They also include savory items, like soy sauce and ginger. So, it is a favorite in diverse Hawaiian-inspired recipes.
- Tourism Influence: Tourists in Hawaii love the local dishes. They seek to recreate those flavors at home, popularizing mahi-mahi dishes. This is why the popularity of Hawaiian cuisine has spread globally.
Let’s try this popular dish with the recipe given below.
Recipe Preview
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine |
10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes | Main Course | American. Hawaiian, Tropical |
Sweet Hawaiian Fish Recipes
This dish is a perfect tropical fish dish to have with friends and family in summer. The sweet veggies and spicy fish make a great combo. It leaves everyone wanting more. Here is a proper guideline to make this easy and flavorful dish at home.
Equipment
- A Chopping Board
- A Knife
- Paper Towels
- A Medium-sized Skillet
- A Tablespoon
- A Wooden Spoon
- A Spatula
- A Serving Plate
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 2 lbs Mahi Mahi Fish Filets
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
For the Vegetable
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: Sliced into thin strips
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper: Sliced into thin strips
- 2 Cups Sweet Onion: Diced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro: Chopped
- ¼ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger: Finely Grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh Garlic: Minced
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 2 tbsp Pineapple Juice
- ¼ Cup Teriyaki Sauce
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Fish with Vegetables?
Instructions
Part 1: Cook the Fish
![clean mahi mahi fish](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/clean-mahi-mahi-fish-1024x538.jpg)
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Clean mahi mahi fish or the substitute fish you found (if you can’t find mahi mahi). Cut it into filets carefully and rinse properly.
Step 2: Season The Fish
After that, pat the fish dry. Now, garnish the filets with salt and pepper on one side.
![cooking mahi mahi fish in olive oil](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cooking-mahi-mahi-fish-in-olive-oil-1024x538.jpg)
Step 3: Start Cooking
At the same time, take a medium-sized skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in it over medium heat. Now put the seasoned filets into the skillet. Cook the filets for 3-4 minutes, and they will easily lift off if that side is properly cooked.
![Cook Both Sides Thoroughly](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Cook-Both-Sides-Thoroughly-1024x538.jpg)
Step 4: Cook Both Sides Thoroughly
When one side is done, season the other side with salt and pepper and flip it right away. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
![Mahi Mahi fish cooking](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Mahi-Mahi-fish-cooking-1024x538.jpg)
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When the other side is done, the fish is ready to serve.
Part 2: Sauté the Vegetables
![heating olive oil](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/heating-olive-oil-1024x538.jpg)
Step 1: Start Cooking
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
![bell pepper, onions cooking](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bell-pepper-onions-cooking-1024x538.jpg)
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the bell pepper, onions, salt, and pepper. Cook until they are firm but start to turn brown. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now add garlic and ginger to the vegetables, and cook for 2 minutes.
![sweet chili sauce](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sweet-chili-sauce-1024x538.jpg)
Step 4: Pour Sauces to Add Flavors
Time to add sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil, then cook for 2 minutes.
![pineapple juice](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pineapple-juice-1024x538.jpg)
Step 5: Add the Pineapple Juice
Lastly, add pineapple juice and cook for another two minutes.
![Cooked Vegitable](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Cooked-Vegitable-1024x538.jpg)
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the vegetables with the fish and enjoy your meal.
Steps | Ingredients | Serve | Calories |
11 | 18 | 4 | 309 |
Alternative ways to Cook Mahi Mahi Fish in Hawaiian Style
There are some different ways to cook mahi mahi fish and still get the Hawaiian taste. These alternative ways might be different, but they are no less in flavors. Because the mahi mahi recipe in Hawaii is so easy yet diversified. Such as mahi mahi marinade, hawaiian mahi mahi recipes baked, mahi mahi pan-seared etc.
1. Mahi Mahi Marinade Recipe
This recipe is based on a special sauce that makes the whole dish exclusive. In this recipe, we use tamari sauce as the hero ingredient. You can use the marinade to marinate the fish. You can also pour it on the fish while cooking. This recipe is also known as Hawaiian grilled mahi mahi recipe.
To make the marinade, mix tamari soy sauce, garlic, honey, gluten-free rice vinegar, and flour in a bowl. Whisk it properly in the bowl, and it will turn into the perfect marinade. Enjoy the dish just the way you want.
2. Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi
Pan-searing mahi-mahi makes a golden-brown crust on the outside. It keeps the inside moist and tender. This cooking method triggers the Maillard reaction. It caramelizes the proteins and sugars on the fish’s surface. This creates a rich, savory crust that enhances the flavor.
The high heat crisps the outside and keeps the fish juicy and flaky. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast. Pan-searing enhances mahi mahi’s natural flavors, especially when seasoned or marinated. It also seals in moisture, making the fish more flavorful.
It’s a quick cooking method, ideal for mahi mahi, which does not require long cooking times. You can try it at home too.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, simply keep them in an airtight box and put them in the freezer. But you have to keep some facts in mind about this.
- Try to use leftovers the next day. Since it’s a fish dish, the taste deteriorates with the passing days. So it’s better to finish the leftovers as soon as possible after the cooking day.
- When you want to use them, reheat them in the skillet, not in the oven. Otherwise, the fish will be too hard and dry to eat.
- Without cooking, you can preserve the filets or marinated filets for up to 3 months.
FAQs
- Is Mahi Mahi The Same as Ono?
These two fish are quite different in both taste and texture. Ono is a mild-flavored fish, while on the other hand, Mahi Mahi is very vibrant when it comes to flavor.
- What is the best Hawaiian fish to taste?
There are several Hawaiian fishes, but Mahi Mahi is very popular among the locals. Because it’s a lean protein fish yet so flavorful and tasty.
To Conclude
The Hawaiian mahi mahi recipe celebrates the islands’ flavors and traditions. This dish blends mild, sweet mahi mahi with tropical ingredients: pineapple, lime, and fresh herbs. The result is a savory-sweet harmony that transports you to Hawaii’s shores!
![Maisha Munawara](https://bridgehousetavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Maisha-100x100.png)
Hi, I’m Maisha and I am all about food! I used to be a nutritionist but now I get to have fun creating and sharing delicious and healthy recipes online. I love chatting about food and making the easiest recipes possible so that you can satisfy all of your sudden cravings.