Mahi mahi is a flavorful, dense, firm fish that can be found in fillets or steaks. This rich fish is called dolphinfish in some parts of the world, though not in the family of dolphins that are mammals. To eliminate possible confusion, it has become known by its Hawaiian name mahi mahi, which means strong. In other parts of the world it is known as Dorado, which is its actual scientific name. The tasty fish is low in carbohydrates and fat, so it is a healthful choice for almost any diet. Mahi mahi also tastes great by itself, with simple herbs and spices or with just about any sauces, marinades or salsas, so it is as diverse as it is delicious. Because the flavor is so pleasing and the fillets or steaks cook easily, learning how to grill mahi mahi to perfection is quite simple.

Steps

  1. 1
    Purchase mahi mahi steaks or fillets from your local grocery store or seafood market.
    • When selecting your mahi mahi, look for steaks or fillets that do not have separation in the layers of meat, dull coloring or a fishy smell. These characteristics could indicate that the fish is not fresh.
  2. 2
    Apply cooking oil or spray to your grill prior to grilling mahi mahi to prevent it from sticking.
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  3. 3
    Heat your grill to medium high or high.
    • If you decide to grill mahi mahi on a very hot grill, watch it carefully and turn it as needed to prevent burning it.
  4. 4
    Grill mahi mahi about 5 to 10 minutes per side, flipping the steaks or fillets when the color starts to turn white.
  5. 5
    Marinate your mahi mahi when you flip it if you are using a marinade or dressing.
    • This will help it to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out while on the grill.
  6. 6
    Test your mahi mahi to see if it is done by flaking it with a fork.
  7. 7
    Continue grilling mahi mahi if it doesn't flake easily, flipping it from side to side until flaking occurs.
  8. 8
    Season your mahi mahi when it is about ready to be taken off the grill.
  9. 9
    Serve your grilled mahi mahi with salsa, sauce or by itself and enjoy.
  10. 10
    Refrigerate any leftover mahi mahi and try it in a salad the next day.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What should the internal temperature of the fish be to ensure it's cooked through?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Fish is cooked through once it reaches 130-140 degrees. Because it continues cooking for a bit after pulling it off the grill, 135 degrees is a good temperature at which to remove it.
  • Question
    What kind of salsa should I use?
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    Any kind you like. Try a light mango salsa or an Italian seasoned red sauce. Make a mornay sauce or pico de gallo. The possibilities are endless.
  • Question
    Do I need to take the skin off the fish before cooking it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's up to you, but I do recommend removing the skin before cooking the fish.
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Warnings

  • Do not overcook mahi mahi. This will make the texture of your steaks or fillets tough.
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  • Never served undercooked mahi mahi. If you are not sure if it is done, grill it a little longer to be on the safe side.
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  • Do not allow any portions of mahi mahi to be left out for very long.
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Things You'll Need

  • Mahi mahi steaks or fillets
  • Cooking oil or spray
  • Marinade of your choice (optional)
  • Herbs and spices of your choice (optional)

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 281,012 times.
10 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: October 30, 2019
Views: 281,012
Categories: Fish and Seafood
Article SummaryX

If you want to grill mahi mahi, apply a thin layer of cooking oil or spray to your grill grates to keep the fish from sticking. Heat your grill to medium-high or high, and let it get up to temperature before you add the fish. When the grill is hot, cook the fish for about 5-10 minutes on each side. Flip the fish when they start to turn white. When the mahi mahi is ready, it will be white and opaque, and the meat will flake easily. Season the fish just before you take it off the grill, then serve and enjoy! Keep reading for tips on marinating your mahi mahi!

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