What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like? You’ll Be Surprised!
Do you eat fish? If you do, what are your favorite ones?
A lot of people, especially those who are watching their weight and are trying to tone their body, love salmon, cod, halibut, and tuna because they are undeniably delicious and nutritious at the same time.
Personally, I love salmon and halibut but, did you know that there are other fishes you can choose from that are as healthy and yummy, just like mahi mahi.
Wait, what? What kind of fish is that? What does mahi mahi taste like? Does it taste like salmon? How do you prepare it?
I will answer all of that and more as we go along.
If you have never heard of it ever in your life, then you better read along because after this, I promise, you will fall in love with it and crave for more.
Also, check out the amazing recipe that I prepared for you at the very end. You will surely love it!
What are we waiting for? Let’s get the ball rolling!
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What Are Fishes And Its Different Kinds?
Generally speaking, fishes are cold-blooded vertebrates that live underwater. They have no limbs of any sort, but they have unique features like gills (lung/nose), scales (skin), fins (arms), and tail (legs/feet).
Scientists believe that there are about 15,000 different species of fish all over the world. Wow! That’s a lot.
We can sort them into different categories: natural habitat, bone and body structure, and fat content.
When we speak of natural habitats, fishes can be subdivided into two groups: saltwater and freshwater.
Saltwater fishes – These types of fishes are found in the ocean, gulf, and sea. They usually grow bigger and have larger firmer bones than the other type. Some examples of saltwater fishes: mackerel, cod, salmon, sea bass, tuna, and haddock.
Freshwater fishes – These, on the other hand, are found in ponds, rivers, and lakes. They are smaller compared to saltwater fishes but usually have more tiny bones. Some examples are carp, catfish, and bass.
In terms of bone and body structure, some fishes are kind of flat and skinny, while others have round body.
Now, the more interesting part, let us take a look at the different kinds of fish in terms of fat content.
Not everyone knows that some fish contain more fat than others, but that does not necessarily mean that fatty fishes are not healthful. As a matter of fact, fatty fishes are usually more flavorful.
- Fatty fish: tuna, salmon, butterfish, carp, mackerel, sardines, eel, etc.
- Lean fish: cod, sea bass, halibut, red snapper, haddock, striped bass, brook trout, etc.
Getting To Know Mahi Mahi
What is mahi mahi? Is it a fish or a dolphin? How does it taste?
Mahi mahi is a Hawaiian term that literally means “strong strong”.
Decades ago, this fish is called dolphinfish, but in 1980’s they changed its name to Mahi-Mahi to avoid confusion.
Anyway, this beautiful fish usually thrives in warmer tropical regions – such as Hawaii and Caribbean, and is also known in other places as Dorado (Latin), Goldmakrele, and Shiira (Japan).
Although it kind of looks like a dolphin, they are not in any way related. Remember that dolphins are marine mammals while dolphinfish is a true fish.
An average mahi mahi can weigh around 3-5 pounds, but it can grow up to 50-70 pounds. Its flesh is white, think, and firm but moist when cooked.
Is Mahi Mahi Good For You?
Before we proceed to the taste and cooking methods, it would be best to know first what you can get from mahi mahi.
Here are some of its health benefits: (All based on a 3-ounce serving)
- Fats and Proteins – just like tuna and salmon, mahi mahi also has high protein and fat contents. As a matter of fact, eating it will give your body a complete set of amino acids it needs. One serving already has more than 20 grams of protein. Based on the studies conducted by the Iowa State University Extension, a 3-ounce serving of mahi mahi already covers a third of the daily recommended intake of protein of an average adult.
- Iron – Iron is an essential mineral that helps regulate red blood cell production and carry oxygen all over our body. Office of Dietary Supplements say that a serving of mahi mahi provides men 15% and women 7% of their daily recommended intake of iron. This is because mahi mahi has a rich iron content that is easily absorbed by our bodies.
- Vitamin B-complex – Vitamin B, in general, boosts metabolic rate and keeps the liver and skin healthy. Vitamin B5 aids hormone production, B12 boosts nerve function, while vitamin B6 is essential to brain functions – specifically the neurotransmitters. Guess what? Mahi mahi is also rich in vitamin B-complex – especially B5 and B6.
- Potassium and Selenium – These two are essential minerals too just like iron. Potassium fights heart disease by controlling the blood pressure and supporting heart functions. Selenium, on the other hand, helps the immune system fight germs, viruses, and bacteria, and the thyroid produce hormones.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Most, if not all, fishes contain omega-3 fatty acids. It is a well-known nutrient because it is good for the heart. It helps lower blood cholesterol level and keep the health healthy and strong. A serving of mahi mahi contains about 10 grams of omega-3.
Although, have to be extra cautious with its mercury content – as well as other fishes.
What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
Unlike other fishes, for me, mahi mahi has a mild flavor that is almost leaning toward sweet. It has a lean composition, firm texture, and tendency flake especially when fried or overcooked.
It is usually sold in fillets, but you can get the whole fish in some wet markets or directly in ports. A fresh flesh is sort of pinkish and once it turns dark, it is no longer fresh or safe to eat.
In terms of availability, you can get fresh mahi mahi whole year round but more so from March to May and September to November.
Mahi mahi is great for sautéing, grilling, baking, broiling, and deep-frying. Japanese also likes using it in sushi and sashimi.
How To Fillet A Mahi Mahi?
Mahi mahi is a huge fish and it is not that easy to debone and fillet. If you are interested to know how, just watch the tutorial video below:
Fried Mahi Mahi with Honey-Ginger Glaze
What a better way to know how mahi mahi really tastes like than to prepare a dish yourself, right? So, here’s a recipe I know you will surely love because it is one of my favorite fish dish.
Ingredients:
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Preparations:
- Wash and clean the fillets thoroughly. Pat it dry then set aside for a while.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the following together: honey, ginger root, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and a tablespoon of coconut oil. Season it with some salt and pepper.
- Toss in the fillets into the honey mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, put it inside the fridge, and let it marinade for at least half an hour.
- After 30 minutes, take the bowl out of the fridge and let the fish sit for 3-5 minutes while you heat up the pan.
- Place a large pan over medium to medium high heat. Pour in the oil.
- Add the fish into the pan - skin side down. Fry it for about 5-6 minutes then flip on the other side. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. Once cooked, take it out of the pan and transfer to a serving dish.
- Pour the marinade into the same pan. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Drizzle it over the fried fish. Serve and enjoy!
Final Say…
Mahi mahi is not just a pretty fish but it is also a delicious one. No doubt!
If you are tired of salmon, tuna, or halibut, mahi mahi is a great nutritious substitute - especially if you are on a diet. It has a sweet mild taste and moist texture so I am pretty sure that you will love it too.
I hope you learn something from this article and please tell me how you find the recipe.
MORE TIPS & TRICKS FOR SALMON
Leave a comment or suggestion down below. I would love to hear from you.
Also, if there are other things you want to know, please feel free to ask. I will be glad to help. By the way, do you have any favorite mahi mahi recipe? Share it with us too!
