Allow me to introduce a tantalizing recipe from the sea: Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce. A delightful blend of succulent Mahi Mahi fillets bathed in a rich and zesty chimichurri sauce, finished with a side of tender broccolini. This recipe is not only a table showstopper but also a delightful culinary experience for your tastebuds.
Mahi Mahi, also known as Dolphinfish, isn't a common household item but most well-stocked supermarkets will carry it. You can usually find it in the frozen seafood section. Chimichurri, an Argentine sauce, is often found in the international aisle. If you cannot find it, you can make your own with fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Broccolini, a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, might also not be in everyone's usual grocery list. However, it's steadily gaining popularity and can be found in most produce sections.
Ingredients for Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Mahi filets: A firm, sweet fish that is a perfect base for the chimichurri sauce.
Sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Basics for seasoning the fish.
Olive oil: Used for pan-searing the Mahi Mahi, it adds a bit of richness and ensures the fish doesn't stick to the pan.
Broccolini: This hybrid vegetable brings a subtle sweetness and crunch that complements the Mahi Mahi. It's also an excellent source of vitamins C and K.
Chimichurri sauce: A tangy, herby sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the fish.
One reader, Gard Bustos says:
This mahi mahi with chimichurri sauce recipe is a game-changer! The fish was perfectly cooked and the chimichurri sauce added a burst of flavor. The broccolini was a great side, and the whole dish was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again!
Techniques Required for Making Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
How to cook mahi mahi fillets: Season the fillets with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are no longer translucent.
How to blanch broccolini: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, then add the broccolini and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender. Remove the broccolini and place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
How to make chimichurri sauce: Blend together fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Enjoy this fresh, meaty mahi-mahi fish straight from Hawaii with the tangy and slightly spicy flavor of the chimichurri sauce. It’s guaranteed delicious!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2Mahi filets
- sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1bunchbroccolini,optional
- chimichurri sauce
Instructions
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Bring a large saucepan filled halfway with water to a boil.
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Take Mahi Mahi fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the fillets in the pan.
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Cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and no longer translucent. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
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While the fish is cooking, add the broccolini to the boiling water. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender.
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Remove broccolini, and place in an ice bath to stop cooking.
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Top with chimichurri sauce and serve immediately with the broccolini.
Nutrition
- Calories: 336.43kcal
- Fat: 9.30g
- Saturated Fat: 1.43g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.16g
- Carbohydrates: 20.19g
- Fiber: 7.90g
- Sugar: 5.17g
- Protein: 46.31g
- Cholesterol: 148.92mg
- Sodium: 1197.04mg
- Calcium: 174.12mg
- Potassium: 1809.54mg
- Iron: 4.57mg
- Vitamin A: 204.40µg
- Vitamin C: 271.17mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
When cooking the mahi mahi, it's important to avoid overcooking as it can make the fish dry and tough. To ensure it's perfectly cooked, look for a nice golden brown color on the outside and a slightly opaque color on the inside. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it's done. Additionally, when preparing the broccolini, blanching it in boiling water and then immediately transferring it to an ice bath helps to retain its vibrant green color and crunch. This method also allows the broccolini to be cooked ahead of time and reheated just before serving, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Mahi Mahi Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the ingredients for the chimichurri sauce the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan cooking: Consider using the same skillet to cook the mahi mahi and broccolini to minimize clean-up time.
Multi-task: While the fish is resting, finish cooking the broccolini and preparing the chimichurri sauce to streamline the process.
Organized workspace: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook for efficient workflow.
Quick blanch: Instead of boiling, quickly blanch the broccolini in hot water for a shorter cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
mahi filets - Substitute with grouper fillets: Grouper has a similar firm texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for mahi mahi in this recipe.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar texture and flavor to sea salt, and can be used in the same quantity for seasoning.
freshly-ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish as black pepper.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
broccolini - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can be used as a substitute for broccolini, providing a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
chimichurri sauce - Substitute with salsa verde: Salsa verde can provide a tangy and herbaceous flavor similar to chimichurri sauce, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
Plating Ideas for Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mahi mahi, ensure that the fish is the focal point of the dish. Place it slightly off-center on the plate to create visual interest.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate with the broccolini and chimichurri sauce. The vibrant green of the broccolini and the bright, herbaceous tones of the chimichurri will add visual appeal to the dish.
Pay attention to texture: Consider adding a textural element to the dish, such as a delicate sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of olive oil, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Every detail matters when presenting a dish to culinary professionals with three Michelin stars.
Highlight the freshness: Showcase the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a visually appealing manner. The freshness of the mahi mahi and the vibrant broccolini should be evident at first glance.
Incorporate negative space: Utilize negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and elegance. Allow the dish to breathe and avoid overcrowding the plate with unnecessary elements.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the colors and presentation of the dish. The plate should enhance the overall visual impact of the mahi mahi with chimichurri sauce.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Sauté pan: A sauté pan is a wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, perfect for sautéing, searing, and frying.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning food.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, typically used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating food.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife with a broad, tapered blade, suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Cutting board: A cutting board is a durable board used to protect countertops and provide a stable surface for cutting and preparing food.
Tongs: Tongs are a kitchen tool consisting of two long arms joined by a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, marinating, or storing food.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan with low sides and a long handle, used for frying, searing, and browning food.
Colander: A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for whipping, beating, and stirring ingredients, typically consisting of a handle with a series of looped wire.
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing food ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
Blender: A blender is a kitchen appliance used to mix, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
Grill pan: A grill pan is a heavy-duty pan with raised ridges, used for grilling and creating grill marks on food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Let the mahi mahi cool completely before storing. Place the fish in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap the mahi mahi tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Store the chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The oil may solidify when chilled, so let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.
If you have leftover broccolini, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a little olive oil until heated through.
To freeze the chimichurri sauce, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw the cubes in the refrigerator overnight before using.
How To Reheat Leftover Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mahi mahi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the fish with a little olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the mahi mahi in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the fish moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the fish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fish to become rubbery.
If you have a steamer or a double boiler, you can use this method to gently reheat the mahi mahi. Place the fish in the steamer basket or the top part of the double boiler, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is heated through. This method helps preserve the texture and moisture of the fish.
To reheat the chimichurri sauce, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
When reheating the broccolini, place it in a steamer basket or a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Steam or microwave until the broccolini is heated through and tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the broccolini to become mushy.
Once the mahi mahi, chimichurri sauce, and broccolini are reheated, plate the dish and serve immediately. If desired, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce
Mahi mahi is a versatile fish that is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
Is Making Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mahi mahi with chimichurri sauce recipe is quite high. Mahi mahi is a reasonably priced fish, and the simple ingredients required for the chimichurri sauce are also budget-friendly. The broccolini adds a nutritious and affordable element to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a great balance of cost and quality. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $25-$30.
Is This Mahi Mahi Dish Healthy or Not?
The mahi mahi with chimichurri sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Mahi mahi is a lean protein source, low in calories and saturated fat, and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Broccolini is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.
- Chimichurri sauce, made with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, adds healthy fats and antioxidants to the dish.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The recipe calls for olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the quantity could be reduced to lower the overall calorie content.
- While the recipe includes a green vegetable, adding a variety of colorful vegetables could further increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- The seasoning relies on salt and pepper, but incorporating additional herbs and spices could provide more flavor without increasing sodium intake.
To elevate the nutritional value of this mahi mahi dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in cooking the fish, or opt for a cooking method that requires less oil, such as grilling or baking.
- Serve the mahi mahi over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a rainbow of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, to boost the fiber and micronutrient content of the meal.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices in the chimichurri sauce, like cilantro, oregano, or smoked paprika, to create a more complex flavor profile without relying on excess salt.
- Consider adding a whole grain element to the dish, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide a source of complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.
Editor's Opinion on This Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
The mahi mahi with chimichurri sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The mahi mahi is perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, while the vibrant chimichurri sauce adds a zesty and herbaceous kick. The broccolini provides a lovely crunch and freshness to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of flavors and is a wonderful choice for a light and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Mahi Mahi with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with fresh, high-quality mahi filets and vibrant chimichurri sauce. The broccolini is blanched to perfection, ensuring a crisp and tender texture. The use of olive oil adds a touch of richness to the dish, while the seasoning with sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the fish. The cooking process is carefully detailed, ensuring a perfectly cooked mahi mahi. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a memorable culinary adventure.
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