Brown Butter Lime Mahi Mahi with Avocado Salsa Recipe
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.
- 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
