Mahi Mahi is a popular game fish found on menus across North America, especially Hawaiian restaurants. But for those who haven’t tried it yet, the big question is – what does mahi mahi taste like?
Don’t Miss: What Does Raw Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
A Quick Overview of Mahi Mahi
- Mahi mahi is also known as dolphinfish or dorado. It is not related to dolphins – mahi mahi is a fish while dolphins are mammals.
- It has a firm white flesh that cooks up moist and flaky. The raw flesh is translucent pink but turns opaque white when cooked.
- Mahi mahi is a sustainable seafood choice as these fish grow and reproduce quickly. Most mahi mahi sold in the US comes from Taiwan or Japan.
- An average mahi mahi weighs around 4 pounds but they can grow up to 30 pounds. They are fast swimmers, reaching speeds up to 60 mph!
- Mahi mahi meat is low in mercury and high in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and niacin.
The Flavor of Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi has a mild, sweet flavor with a subtle nuttiness. Here are some key points on its taste:
- It has a milder, less fishy taste compared to meatier fish like swordfish or tuna.
- The flesh is firm yet flaky when cooked, similar to halibut.
- Mahi mahi has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than many white fish like cod or flounder.
- Larger, mature mahi mahi tend to have a stronger, fishier taste. Smaller younger fish have a milder flavor.
- The thick skin has an unpleasant taste and should be removed before cooking.
- Grilling really brings out mahi mahi’s sweet, mild flavors. The fish holds up well on the grill without falling apart.
- When raw, mahi mahi has a smooth, clean taste, like an ocean breeze. Sashimi-grade mahi mahi is a delicacy.
So in summary, mahi mahi has a mildly sweet flavor with medium fishiness. The firm yet moist texture makes it an approachable fish for those new to seafood.
Cooking Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi works great with most cooking methods. Here are some tips:
- Grill on high heat for 2-4 minutes per side. Mahi mahi flesh holds up well on the grill without falling apart.
- Pan sear over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice crust.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until it flakes and opaque. Browning the top under the broiler is delicious.
- Poach in broth, wine or spices to keep the flesh moist while adding flavor.
- Fry mahi mahi fillets for fish tacos or fish and chips. Use a light batter to seal in moisture.
- Eat mahi mahi raw as sashimi or in poke bowls. Be sure to use sushi-grade fish.
- Slow roast a whole mahi mahi fish at 275°F for 30-40 minutes for a showstopper main dish.
Mahi Mahi Cooking Methods
| Cooking Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Grilling | Grill fillets or steaks on high heat for 2-4 minutes per side |
| Pan Searing | Sear fillets in a hot pan with oil for 2-3 minutes per side |
| Baking | Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until opaque and flaky |
Seasoning Suggestions
- Lemon, lime, garlic, parsley, basil
- Spices like paprika, cayenne, oregano, cumin
- Salsa, chutney, or fruit relishes like mango or pineapple
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey make an amazing glaze
Health Benefits of Mahi Mahi
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| High in Protein | Excellent source of protein for building muscle. A 3.5 oz fillet has over 20g protein. |
| Low in Fat | Contains heart-healthy fats like omega-3 but is low in saturated fat. |
| Rich in Selenium | Selenium supports thyroid health and immune function. |
With its mild, sweet flavor, firm yet flaky texture, and stellar nutritional profile, mahi mahi is a great fish to add to your diet.
Summary
In summary, mahi mahi has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor with a medium fishiness. The firm yet flaky texture holds up well to simple cooking methods. For those new to fish, mahi mahi’s delicately sweet taste and flaky texture makes it an approachable choice.
