Introduction

Brown Butter Lime Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa is a fresh and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The nutty brown butter lime sauce paired with a vibrant avocado salsa creates a delightful balance of richness and zest.

Brown Butter Lime Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 mahi mahi fish filets
Salt
Ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large avocado, diced (about 1 cup)
1 Roma tomato, diced (about ½ cup)
¼ cup diced red onion
½ cup corn
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for salsa)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
⅛ teaspoon salt (for salsa)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season the mahi mahi filets with salt and ground black pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 2: Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Swirl the butter occasionally until it turns light brown and releases a nutty aroma.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Step 5: Return the fish to the skillet and coat the filets with the brown butter lime sauce. Warm over medium-low heat just until heated through.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, diced Roma tomato, diced red onion, corn, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir gently to mix.
Step 7: Serve the mahi mahi topped with the avocado salsa immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the avocado salsa.
Use fresh corn cut from the cob for a sweeter, more vibrant salsa.
If mahi mahi is unavailable, you can substitute with other firm white fish like cod or halibut.
To keep the avocado from browning, prepare the salsa just before serving and add lime juice evenly over the avocado.

Storage

Store any leftover fish and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish gently in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over low heat to avoid drying it out. The avocado salsa is best served fresh and not recommended for reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mahi mahi for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even searing and to prevent excess moisture.

What can I serve with this dish?

This mahi mahi pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

Brown Butter Lime Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.8 from 121 reviews

This Brown Butter Lime Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring perfectly seared mahi mahi filets topped with a rich, nutty brown butter lime sauce and fresh, zesty avocado salsa. It’s a quick and elegant meal that combines the buttery depth of the sauce with the bright freshness of the salsa, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish and Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 mahi mahi fish filets
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Avocado Salsa

1 large diced avocado (about 1 cup)
1 diced Roma tomato (about ½ cup)
¼ cup diced red onion
½ cup corn
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Heat a large 12 or 14-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to coat the pan evenly.
Cook the mahi mahi: Season 4 mahi mahi fish filets with salt and ground black pepper on both sides. Place the filets in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Set aside the fish: Remove the cooked mahi mahi from the skillet and transfer to a plate, keeping them warm.
Brown the butter: In the same skillet, add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and reduce heat to medium-low. Swirl the butter gently until it turns a light brown color and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
Make the lime sauce: Turn off the heat and whisk into the browned butter 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined.
Warm the fish in the sauce: Return the mahi mahi filets to the skillet. Coat them thoroughly with the brown butter lime sauce and gently heat over medium-low until warmed through.
Prepare the avocado salsa: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 diced Roma tomato, ¼ cup diced red onion, ½ cup corn, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir gently to blend all ingredients.
Serve: Plate the mahi mahi filets and generously top each with the fresh avocado salsa. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the fish to get a nice golden crust.
Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in both the sauce and salsa.
Do not overcook the mahi mahi to keep it tender and moist.
The brown butter should be watched carefully to avoid burning, which can give a bitter taste.
The avocado salsa can be made ahead but is best served fresh to prevent browning.
This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a light green salad.

Keywords: Mahi Mahi, Brown Butter Lime Sauce, Avocado Salsa, Seafood Recipe, Quick Dinner, Healthy Fish Recipe, Fresh Salsa