Mahi mahi is a ray-finned fish with firm white flesh and a somewhat sweet flavor.
If you’ve never cooked mahi mahi, and aren’t sure on the best temperature to cook it at, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will cover some key information on cooking mahi mahi, including the best temperature to cook mahi mahi.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
What Is Mahi Mahi?
Mahi mahi is a saltwater fish that is found in tropical and subtropical climates.
Mahi Mahi gets its name from the Polynesian language, literally translating to “Strong Strong”.
It has a mild and somewhat sweet flavor that is very palatable.
Where Can You Buy Mahi Mahi?
You can purchase mahi mahi at many grocery stores and local fish markets depending on where you live.
Depending on the grocery store, you should check both the fresh fish counter as well as the freezer section.
You should note that you’re most likely to find mahi mahi in the freezer section.
However, if you can find it fresh, this is the best option.
What Is the Best Temperature To Cook Mahi Mahi?
When oven cooking mahi mahi, you should cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 137 degrees Fahrenheit.
That being said, it’s safe to eat at 135 – 137 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Cook Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is meaty and firm, making it the ideal type of fish for grilling or frying.
You can also oven cook mahi mahi, it just depends on what your preference is.
Bearing this in mind, we’ll show you a few methods of how to cook mahi mahi.
How To Oven Cook Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- Mahi mahi filets, 1 for each person
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices, 2 per filet
- Fresh herbs, to garnish
Instructions
Step One – Preheat Oven
Before you get started, you need to preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step Two – Prepare A Baking Sheet
Prepare a sheet pan with squares of aluminum foil.
Step Three – Prepare The Fish For The Oven
Place the mahi mahi filets on the aluminum foil squares.
Drizzle in olive oil, then rub the fish until the filets are entirely covered in the oil. Season the mahi mahi with salt and pepper.
Step Four – Cut Up Some Lemon Slices
Next, you will want to cut some lemon slices and add them to the mahi mahi.
Step Five – Fold Up The Aluminum Foil Squares To Make Packets
Once you have topped the mahi mahi with the lemon slices, add a few fresh herbs.
Now it’s time to fold up the aluminum foil squares to make little packets that contain the fish.
Step Six – Bake The Mahi Mahi
Now, you can bake the mahi mahi for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish reaches the internal temperature of 137 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Seven – Remove From The Oven & Serve
Once the internal temperature of the mahi mahi rises to 137 degrees fahrenheit, you can then remove it from the oven.
Take the fish out of the aluminum foil packets, and serve!
Mahi mahi is great as it is, or served with some delicious potatoes and a salad for the perfect summer meal. Delicious!
How To Grill Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- Mahi mahi filets, 1 per person
- 1 tbsp of olive oil, per filet (+ more for grill)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Step One – Clean & Preheat The Grill
Before you get started, you will first need to make sure that your grill is clean and ready to go at this stage.
If not, give it a clean before you turn it on to preheat. Following this, you need to preheat the grill on a medium-high heat.
Step Two – Season The Fish Filets
Season both sides of the mahi mahi with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
This will help to ensure that it won’t stick to the grill.
Step Three – Oil Your Grill
Now you will need to add oil to the grill to ensure that it is well-oiled.
After the grill has had ten minutes to preheat you should be ready to go.
Step Four – Grill The Mahi Mahi
Grill the Mahi Mahi filets on the first side for around 3 to 4 minutes then carefully flip them over.
Step Five – Grill The Other Side
Grill for another couple of minutes and remove them from the grill when you hit 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Fry Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- Mahi mahi filets, 1 per person
- 1 tbsp of olive oil, per filet
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Step One – Heat Oil In A Pan
To begin, you will need to heat a skillet on your stove over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil.
Step Two – Season The Mahi Mahi Filets
Season both sides of the filets with salt and pepper.
Step Three – Add The Mahi Mahi Filets
When the oil is ready, add your Mahi Mahi filets and turn the heat down slightly.
Step Four – Cook The Fish Filets
Allow the mahi mahi filets to cook on one side for 3 minutes before flipping them over.
Note: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the mahi mahi filets.
Step Four – Continue Cooking The Other Side
Cook for another minute or two, and then start checking the temperature.
Step Five – Remove The Fish From The Heat
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the fish to find out the internal temperature.
Once the fish filets reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit, you can remove them from the heat.
Step Six – Serve The Fish
Plate the mahi mahi up and serve!
Can the Cooking Temperature for Tilapia also be Applied to Mahi Mahi?
Yes, the cooking temperature for tilapia done at 145°F / 63°C can also be applied to mahi mahi. Both types of fish can be cooked to perfection at this temperature, ensuring that they are cooked through but still tender and flavorful.
How Do You Know When Mahi Mahi Is Cooked?
There are a few ways that you can tell whether mahi mahi is done.
First is the internal temperature, and this is the safest way to ensure that your fish is done.
Mahi mahi should reach an internal temperature of 135 to 137 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to tell whether the fish is done is its color. When fish is raw, it’s almost translucent in color.
When your mahi mahi is ready to eat, the fish appear opaque in color. Last up, if the fish is done, then it will flake easily with a fork.
When the fish is done, it will be easy to pull apart with a fork and you won’t be met with resistance. It will be flaky.
If you’re met with any resistance, then it’s likely that the fish needs cooking for a little longer.
Remember that your safety is essential when you’re cooking fish.
If you’re unsure whether your mahi mahi is ready, it’s best to cook it for a little while longer until you’re absolutely sure that it is absolutely safe to consume.
Is Mahi Mahi Hard To Cook?
No, one of the reasons mahi mahi is so popular is actually how easy it is to cook!’
While it’s tropical fish that you might not come across everyday, it’s very simple to cook once you know how.
If you’re worried about cooking mahi mahi, then the easiest way to cook it and ensure that it is done is to oven bake it.
When you think it’s done, you’ll need to use a thermometer to determine its internal temperature.
Once it reaches 135 to 137 degrees Fahrenheit, you can remove it from the oven depending on how you like your fish cooked!
In Summary
Mahi mahi can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the oven, on the grill, or on the stove.
We hope you feel more confident cooking mahi mahi after reading this article.
Don’t let this tropical fish overwhelm you, as once you cook it for the first time, you’ll realize just how easy it is to get right.
You’ll wonder why you’ve never tried cooking it before! Have fun experimenting in the kitchen and good luck cooking mahi mahi.