The Zesty Mahi Mahi With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Mahi mahi converts ordinary seafood dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences with its delicate, flaky texture and mild oceanic flavor.

Light and versatile, this fish adapts beautifully to countless cooking techniques and seasonings that enhance its natural qualities.

Succulent white meat promises a tender, melt-in-your-mouth sensation that seafood enthusiasts crave in their protein choices.

Rich proteins combined with zesty lemon and creamy garlic create a harmonious balance of tantalizing flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate this simple dish from basic to restaurant-worthy with minimal preparation time and maximum gourmet impact.

Home cooks can effortlessly recreate restaurant-style elegance by mastering a few strategic cooking techniques that maximize the fish’s delicate characteristics.

You’ll appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, delivering impressive results without complicated steps or extensive kitchen skills.

Why Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Savor Seafood Perfection: Mahi mahi transforms from plain fish to a restaurant-worthy dish with an incredible spice rub and luxurious lemon garlic cream sauce that elevates every single bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe delivers professional-level results in less than 20 minutes, making sophisticated seafood accessible for home cooks with minimal culinary skills and simple ingredients.
• Create Flavor-Packed Texture Symphony: Crispy exterior from perfectly seared fish meets silky smooth cream sauce, delivering a delightful contrast of textures that dance across your palate with each forkful.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible serving options like rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta allow you to personalize the meal while maintaining the dish's elegant core flavors and professional presentation.

Ingredients for Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Mahi Mahi Fillets: Fresh, white-fleshed fish with mild flavor and firm texture, perfect for pan-searing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance the fish's natural taste.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and depth to the fish's flavor profile.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve golden-brown crust on fish.

• Shallots, Garlic: Creates a fragrant base for the cream sauce with subtle, sweet undertones.

• Chicken Broth, Cornstarch: Helps thicken and add depth to the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity to balance the rich cream.

• Thyme, Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that bring vibrant color and bright, earthy notes to the dish.

How to Cook Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Spice Rub

Mix spice rub ingredients in a medium bowl. Pat mahi mahi fillets dry and thoroughly rub spices into the fish.

Step 2: Sear the Fish

Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add fillets and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 4 minutes. Flip fillets and cook an additional 2-4 minutes until fish reaches desired doneness. Transfer fish to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Drain excess oil, leaving about in the skillet. Add shallots and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Introduce garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Thyme
• Parsley

Whisk together and pour into skillet. Simmer until sauce reduces by half and thickens (4-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, adjusting lemon juice as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta

Best Tips for Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Dry the Fish Perfectly: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat mahi mahi fillets dry, ensuring a crispy exterior and better spice adherence.
• Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat initially, then reduce to medium for even cooking without burning the delicate fish.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for opaque, flaky texture and internal temperature of 145°F to prevent overcooking and drying out the fish.
• Build Flavor Layers: Scrape up browned bits when sautéing shallots to incorporate deep, caramelized flavor into the cream sauce.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch and broth thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the fish.

Storing and Reheating Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Storing Leftovers
• Refrigerate leftover mahi mahi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store the fish and sauce separately to maintain the best texture and flavor. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Reheating Method
• Gently warm the fish in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking and drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing Option
• Freeze plain cooked mahi mahi without sauce for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Side Dishes That Complement Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Unlock Crisp White Wine Pairing: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio beautifully complement the delicate mahi mahi's mild flavor, cutting through the rich cream sauce with bright, zesty notes that refresh each bite.
• Match Mediterranean Side Delights: Roasted asparagus or a light herbed couscous provide perfect textural contrast and enhance the dish's lemony, herb-infused profile, creating a balanced Mediterranean-inspired plate.
• Create Citrus-Friendly Beverage Boost: A sparkling citrus spritzer or chilled lemonade amplifies the lemon cream sauce's tangy undertones, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy fish preparation.
• Elevate with Aromatic Herb Garnish: Fresh chives or dill sprinkled on top add a final layer of brightness, connecting the sauce's herbal elements and providing a crisp, clean finish to each forkful.

Creative Variations for Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Spicy Caribbean Mahi Mahi: Replace the original spice rub with a blend of jerk seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a bold, tropical flavor profile. The heat will complement the creamy lemon sauce while adding an exciting Caribbean kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap the thyme and parsley with fresh oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, tangier sauce that brings Mediterranean coastal vibes to the dish.
• Coconut Curry Mahi Mahi: Incorporate coconut milk instead of heavy cream and add mild yellow curry powder to the spice rub. Finish the sauce with a touch of ginger and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an Asian-inspired transformation that brings complexity to the original recipe.
• Blackened Cajun Style: Create a dark, intense spice rub using smoked paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, and blackening seasoning. Sear the fish at a higher temperature to develop a deep, crusty exterior while maintaining a tender interior, then serve with the classic lemon garlic cream sauce.

Mahi Mahi With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mahi Mahi meets zesty lemon garlic cream sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired seafood masterpiece. Delicate fish fillets swim in rich, tangy flavors that transport palates to coastal culinary bliss, inviting home chefs to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Fish:

• 4 mahi mahi fillets (4–6 ounces / 113–170 grams each, 1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Spice Rub:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons minced shallots
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Freshly chopped chives

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Instructions

1. Create a robust spice rub by thoroughly combining all designated spice blend ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Meticulously pat the mahi mahi fillets completely dry using paper towels, then massage the prepared spice mixture uniformly across each fillet’s surface.
3. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high temperature, melting butter and olive oil together until the mixture becomes shimmering and fragrant.
4. Carefully place seasoned fillets into the hot skillet, immediately reducing heat to medium, and cook for approximately 4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
5. Gently flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes, ensuring the fish reaches desired internal temperature and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Transfer cooked fish to a serving plate and loosely cover with aluminum foil to maintain warmth.
7. Discard excess cooking oil, reserving approximately in the skillet.
8. Sauté finely chopped shallots, diligently scraping any caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom, cooking for roughly 2 minutes until they become translucent.
9. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
10. Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch together in a separate small bowl until completely smooth.
11. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, followed by heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, thyme, and parsley.
12. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and thickens to a velvety consistency, approximately 4-5 minutes.
13. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting lemon juice to taste for balanced acidity.
14. Gently return mahi mahi fillets to the skillet, delicately spooning the luxurious sauce over each piece.
15. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped chives for an elegant finishing touch.
16. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides such as steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta.

Notes

• Quick-searing the Mahi Mahi ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
• Dry-rubbing the fish with spices creates a flavorful exterior that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Creating the lemon garlic cream sauce in the same skillet captures all the delicious browned bits for maximum flavor depth.
• Allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce concentrates the rich, tangy flavors and creates a luxurious texture.
• Resting the fish briefly after cooking helps retain moisture and ensures each bite remains succulent.
• Serving immediately preserves the sauce’s creamy consistency and the fish’s optimal temperature and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg