Mahi Mahi Tacos With Spicy Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Hawaiian-inspired mahi mahi tacos with spicy pineapple salsa is a recipe that will turn your ordinary taco night into a fiesta to remember!
These refreshing tacos are a marriage of juicy and tender mahi mahi, zesty lime, and an irresistible tropical salsa that will leave you craving more. According to recipe developer Ksenia Prints of At the Immigrant's Table, it was inspired by Maui's natural ingredients and flavors.
Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish, has a fascinating background deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Revered by ancient Hawaiians for its sleek beauty and swift swimming abilities, the mahi mahi symbolizes strength and grace. Today, it continues to be a prized catch in Hawaiian waters and a culinary delight.
But that's not all — we've taken this tasty fish up a notch by adding a fiery twist with a homemade pineapple salsa that packs a punch. One bite of these mouthwatering tacos will transport you to a tropical paradise bursting with flavor.
Gather the ingredients for mahi mahi tacos
Prepare for a flavor-packed taco adventure with a few simple ingredients!
First, you'll need fresh mahi mahi fillets. These can be purchased fresh or frozen from a good fishmonger or high-quality supermarket.
Next, you will need salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for seasoning. A vibrant medley of lime, diced pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a touch of jalapeno will give us a great salsa. To wrap it all up, stock up on corn tortillas, and remember to have ripe avocado and additional cilantro on hand for that finishing touch.
Cook the mahi mahi
First, pat the mahi mahi dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures that the fish will develop a deliciously crispy exterior when cooked. Season the mahi mahi generously with salt, pepper, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for perfectly prepared mahi mahi whose delicate flavor stands at the forefront.
Next, heat a large grill pan (or your actual grill for a smokier, more charred flavor) over medium-high heat and give it a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place the seasoned mahi mahi into the skillet and sear it on each side for 3-4 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Whip up the spicy pineapple salsa
To make the salsa, combine the remaining lime juice, pineapple, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and don't hesitate to taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference; the result should taste sweet and zesty with a spicy kick.
Assemble and serve the mahi mahi tacos
To serve, place your freshly cooked mahi mahi onto the warmed tortillas. Top the fish with the pineapple salsa, your favorite toppings (such as creamy avocado), and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro. For extra heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top.
Serve the mahi mahi tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side, and savor the delightful combination of flavors. According to Prints, these pair very well with a cold Corona or Michelada, as well as your favorite chicken tortilla soup recipe.
- 1 pound mahi mahi
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 ½ limes, divided, plus more whole limes for serving
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1½ cups diced pineapple
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno (adjust to taste)
- Corn tortillas, warmed before serving
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado, for serving
- Hot sauce, for serving
- Pat the mahi mahi dry and season with salt, pepper, lime juice from ½ lime, and a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the remaining lime juice with the pineapple, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the other seasonings according to your preferences.
- Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the mahi mahi for 3-4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Place the cooked fish onto the warmed tortillas. Top the tacos with the pineapple salsa and your choice of add-ons, such as avocado, hot sauce, and extra chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
| Calories per Serving | 189 |
| Total Fat | 4.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 82.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g |
| Sodium | 564.0 mg |
| Protein | 22.2 g |
