Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Coconut Sauce

Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Carne Diem

Protein: Seafood, Mahi Mahi

Origin: Taste of the Islands

Method: Stovetop, Oven

Jump to Recipe

I am pretty sure the first time I had the pleasure of eating Mahi Mahi was during our first trip to Hawaii. I do not really remember if my first experience with Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi was at Roy's or Mama's Fish House but I loved it so much, I knew I had to order it again a few nights later at the other establishment and I was equally as impressed. There was something about the flaky texture and subtle flavor of the fish paired with the buttery crunch of the nut topping, that I absolutely fell in love with.

This Mahi recipe with coconut sauce is inspired by the Roy's macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi and Mama's Fish House Mahi Mahi recipe. Our version of macadamia crusted mahi is topped with a warm Asian inspired coconut sauce.

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi Mahi is a Polynesian word meaning "strong strong." Elsewhere in the world you may see it called dolphinfish, dorado, or simply dolphin. Don't worry, it has absolutely no relation to flipper or any of it's mammal relatives. This surface fish has a mild taste and firm texture and is a sustainable fish that has not been overfished.

Making Homemade Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

Preparing the topping for the fish

To make the coating for the Mahi Mahi you will need butter, flour, panko style breadcrumbs, and macadamia nuts.

Coarsely chop the macadamia nuts, then mix the chopped nuts with the flour, panko, and melted butter in a small bowl.

Season Mahi Mahi with Kosher salt and fresh black pepper on both sides.

Brush the dolphinfish with some of the coconut milk. In addition to adding another layer of flavor to the fish, it helps the nut coating stick to the fish.

Next, spread the Macadamia nut mixture evenly over the top of the pieces of Mahi Mahi and pat into the fish.

Cooking the nut crusted Mahi Mahi

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Bake the dorado for 5-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Mahi Mahi is done when it reaches an internal temp of 137 degrees and starts to flake easily. Don't overcook it. Increase the heat to a broil and broil for an additional 2 minutes to brown the topping. Note: you may want to do this before you reach an internal temp of 137 degrees to prevent overcooking the fish. Keep a careful eye on it to prevent burning.

Make the Coconut Sauce for the Fish

For the coconut sauce you will need ginger, garlic, palm or turbinado sugar, coconut milk, fish sauce and chicken broth or stock, and basil. Prepare the sauce while the fish is cooking or before and keep it warm while you cook the fish.

Heat a couple tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.

Next, add the fish sauce and stir, then immediately add the chicken stock, coconut milk, sugar, and basil. For this version we chose a ginger and turmeric chicken bone broth for some extra flavor, but you can use your favorite.

Bring the sauce to a brief boil then reduce heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens some. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook it a bit longer. Keep the sauce warm while the fish finishes cooking.

Serving the Macadamia crusted Dorado with Coconut Sauce

To serve the fish, put some sauce on the dish and then add the cooked fish on top of the sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.

For more fish and seafood recipes give some of our favorite recipes a try or check out our list of Best Grilled Seafood Recipes To Try This Summer:

• Grilled Red Snapper Escovitch
• Ooni Wood Plank Salmon
• Maple Bourbon Hot Smoked Salmon
• Grilled Feta and Orzo Stuffed Branzino
• Greek Grilled Shrimp with Basil-Orange Orzo
• Everything Bagel Seared Ahi Tuna

What to Serve with Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi pairs perfectly with forbidden rice or Caribbean Rice and Beans. Grilled vegetables and sweet potatoes also pair well. Serve the nut crusted fish with a Coconut Mai Tai, Rumrunner, or your favorite tropical drink and sit back and enjoy the sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe please share with others. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Also don't forget to check out our recipe boards on Pinterest.

📖 Recipe