Name: Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 – 1 1/2 lb fresh mahi mahi, cut into fillets with skin-on or off; Old Bay seasoning, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons fish sauce (I use Red Boat); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons packed light or dark brown sugar; 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 tablespoon lightly dried parsley or freshly chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

Say hello to your next seafood obsession: Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!). This is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, all in under half an hour. Tender, flaky mahi mahi gets a gorgeously golden crust, then it’s bathed in a velvety, savory, citrus-kissed butter sauce that’s loaded with garlicky tang and depth. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a delicious upgrade to your weeknight routine, this easy recipe promises restaurant-level elegance without the fuss. Trust me: one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!) is blissfully short, focusing on a few quality essentials that guarantee big flavor. Each element works behind the scenes, building a layered taste experience, adding color, or lending irresistible aroma.

Mahi mahi fillets: Look for firm, fresh fillets (skin-on or off), as their mild flavor and meaty texture make them a dream base for this dish.
Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend brings savory, peppery warmth that perfectly complements the fish without overpowering it.
Olive oil: Essential for getting that beautifully crisp, golden crust on your fillets during searing.
Fish sauce (such as Red Boat): The secret umami booster—brings deep, savory complexity and that crave-worthy dimension to the sauce.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity, balancing the richness of the butter and rounding out the sauce flavors.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Lends saltiness and subtle color, enhancing the umami factor without overwhelming the fish.
Packed light or dark brown sugar: Just a touch for a hint of sweetness, creating a gorgeously balanced sauce.
Garlic, minced or pressed: Delivers that unmistakable aromatic kick, making the sauce completely irresistible.
Unsalted butter, cut into pieces: Melts into the sauce for a glossy, decadent finish—use unsalted to control the seasoning level.
Lightly dried or fresh chopped parsley: Sprinkled at the end, this offers fresh herbal notes and a pop of color to make the dish shine.

How to Make Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!)

Step 1: Season & Rest the Fish

Let’s kick things off by giving our mahi mahi the royal treatment. Generously season each fillet on all sides with Old Bay, ensuring couldn’t-be-easier flavor. Don’t skip the resting: Letting the fish hang out at room temperature for about 20 minutes helps it cook evenly from edge to center—a small step that makes all the difference in tenderness!

Step 2: Prep the Umami Sauce

Meanwhile, it’s sauce o’clock! In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the fish sauce, fresh lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The goal here is to thoroughly combine everything for a well-rounded, sweet-savory-tangy punch. Set the sauce aside so those flavors can mingle while you move on.

Step 3: Sear the Fish

Now for the grand moment—heat that olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until it shimmers invitingly. Lay the seasoned mahi mahi fillets in the skillet (carefully, please!). Let them sear undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes, until you spot that deeply golden crust and see the sides changing color, then gently flip. Give the other side another 1–2 minutes, until the fillets are opaque and easily flake with a fork. Perfection!

Step 4: Add Umami Sauce & Butter, Then Simmer

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the umami sauce over the fillets, followed by the butter pieces. Watch as everything melts into a luscious, fragrant pool—this is when magic happens! Sprinkle on the parsley, then grab a spoon and start basting the fish with the sauce. Take the skillet off the heat, but keep basting and gently swirling for about 20 seconds, letting the buttery goodness really soak in.

Step 5: Serve It Up

It’s time for the grand finale: transfer your Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!) to plates, making sure every fillet gets a generous spoonful of sauce. Pair with your favorite side items—think fluffy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or whatever your heart desires. Now…dig in!

How to Serve Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!)

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, shower each fillet with a little extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a few fresh lemon wedges on the side. The pop of green and a squeeze of citrus just before serving make the pan-seared mahi mahi with umami butter sauce (30 minutes!) feel extra vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is versatile! Fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered couscous, or even roasted potatoes soak up that addictive butter sauce beautifully. For veggies, you can’t go wrong with garlicky green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a crisp salad—whatever keeps things light and refreshing against the rich, umami-packed fish.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try stacking the mahi mahi atop a bed of herby rice or bright vegetable ribbons for a restaurant-worthy presentation? Drizzle the extra umami butter sauce artistically around the plate, then top with microgreens or shaved radish for a little wow factor. Serve family-style on a large platter for a stunning, shareable centerpiece, letting everyone help themselves to the saucy goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!)—lucky you! Allow the fish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay tasty for up to 2 days. Be sure to include any leftover sauce, as it keeps the fish moist and flavorful.

Freezing

While the sauce itself freezes well in a separate container, the delicate texture of cooked mahi mahi can change after freezing, becoming a bit dry or mealy. If you must freeze, wrap the fillets tightly and use within a month, but for best taste and texture, enjoy leftovers from the fridge.

Reheating

To gently reheat Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!), place the fish and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm just until the fish is heated through to avoid overcooking. Quick stints in the microwave work too—just keep things low and steady.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mahi mahi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen mahi mahi completely in the fridge before starting. Pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to achieve that ideal sear and avoid excess moisture.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?

Worcestershire sauce can be a decent backup if you’re in a pinch, or try a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of anchovy paste for that same savory kick. Nothing matches the unique depth of fish sauce, but these swaps will keep your pan-seared mahi mahi with umami butter sauce (30 minutes!) just as craveable.

How do I know if the mahi mahi is cooked through?

Mahi mahi is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through (no shiny, translucent bits left). Overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on the timing—generally just a few minutes per side is plenty.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can whisk together the sauce ingredients ahead and store them covered in the fridge for up to two days. This little bit of prep means you can get dinner on the table even faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Choose a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check that your fish sauce and Old Bay seasoning are certified gluten-free. With those tweaks, you’re good to go and can enjoy pan-seared mahi mahi with umami butter sauce (30 minutes!) without worry.

Final Thoughts

Go on—treat yourself (and your lucky dinner guests) to the kind of meal that feels both easy and extraordinary. Once you’ve tried Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!), you’ll find yourself coming back for the knockout flavor and the effortless wow-factor. Let your kitchen fill with delicious aromas and happy memories—bon appétit!

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce (30 minutes!) Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Diabetic

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this quick and flavorful recipe for Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Umami Butter Sauce. Tender mahi mahi fillets are seasoned with Old Bay and cooked to perfection, then drizzled with a savory umami sauce for a mouthwatering dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Instructions

Season & rest the fish: On a large plate, season the mahi mahi fillets with Old Bay seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Prep the umami sauce: Combine fish sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in a bowl. Set aside.
Sear the fish: Cook seasoned fillets in a nonstick skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
Add umami sauce + butter & simmer: Pour the sauce and butter into the skillet. Simmer until butter melts. Baste the fillets in the sauce.
Serve: Plate the mahi mahi with umami butter sauce and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Searing
Cuisine: Seafood