Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa: A Tropical Delight for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as vibrant and tropical as it is easy to make, Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is the answer. This dish strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, with perfectly seared mahi mahi fillets topped with a refreshing and zesty pineapple salsa. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a family dinner, or just craving something that’s both flavorful and visually stunning, this recipe will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that brings together the best of both worlds: tender fish and a burst of tropical flavors.

What is Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa?

Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is a beautiful fusion of savoriness and sweetness, designed to elevate the flavor profile of Mahi Mahi fillets. The dish centers around the sweet chili glaze, which has hints of soy sauce, lime, and a touch of heat, giving it depth and balance. When paired with the fresh, fruity, and slightly spicy pineapple salsa, the combination is sheer magic.

The mahi mahi, a firm, white fish that’s both mild and slightly sweet, is the perfect vessel for the sweet and tangy glaze. The salsa, made with ripe pineapple, red bell pepper, and cilantro, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish, making this dish a delightful experience for the senses.

Origin of the Recipe

Mahi Mahi, known for its meaty texture and delicate flavor, is a popular fish in tropical and subtropical regions. It’s often featured in Hawaiian, Caribbean, and South Pacific cuisine. The inspiration for Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi comes from the vibrant, bold flavors typically found in Thai and Caribbean cooking, where sweet chili sauce and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple reign supreme.

This recipe marries those two worlds, combining the sweetness of the chili sauce and pineapple with the lightness of the fish to create a dish that feels both exotic and comforting. It’s perfect for showcasing the flavors of the tropics while offering a healthy, yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

Before diving into the cooking process, here’s everything you’ll need for this amazing dish. This recipe serves about 4 people and is a wonderful centerpiece for any meal.

For the Mahi Mahi:

• 4 mahi mahi fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing or grilling)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (this will be the base of the glaze)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for extra heat)

For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced small
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

 1: Make the Pineapple Salsa

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
2. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the mixture and toss everything together until evenly distributed.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and stir once more.
4. Let the salsa sit in the refrigerator while you prepare the mahi mahi. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

 2: Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. If you like a bit of heat, add sriracha or chili paste.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze slightly thickens.
4. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. This glaze will be drizzled on the mahi mahi after cooking, adding an extra layer of flavor.

 3: Cook the Mahi Mahi

You have three great options for cooking the mahi mahi, each offering a slightly different flavor profile and texture:

 A – Pan-Seared (Quick & Crisp):

1. Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the mahi mahi fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. During the last minute of cooking, brush each fillet generously with the prepared sweet chili glaze.

 B – Grilled (Smoky & Summery):

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
2. Grill the mahi mahi fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing them with the glaze near the end of cooking.

 C – Oven-Baked (Easy & Hands-Off):

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the sweet chili glaze.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, brushing the fillets with more glaze halfway through. The fish should be cooked through and flaky.

 4: Serve the Dish

1. Plate the mahi mahi fillets and spoon pineapple salsa generously over each fillet.
2. For extra flavor, drizzle with more sweet chili glaze.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.

Variations to Try

While the recipe as written is already a tropical delight, here are a few variations you might want to explore:

• Substitute the Fish: While mahi mahi is fantastic for this recipe, you can also use other firm fish like salmon, snapper, or halibut.
• Add Coconut: For an extra tropical touch, top the fish with toasted coconut flakes or serve with a side of coconut rice.
• Increase the Heat: If you like your food with a serious kick, add more sriracha to the glaze or toss the pineapple salsa with chopped fresh chilies.
• Use Mango: If pineapple isn’t your favorite fruit, swap it out for diced mango for a similarly sweet and tangy salsa.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the sweet chili glaze and the pineapple salsa ahead of time. Keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to a week, and store the salsa in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

2. Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Mahi Mahi is naturally low in carbs, and the salsa can be enjoyed as is, as it’s made from fresh vegetables and fruits.

3. Can I cook the fish in the oven even if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, oven-baking is an excellent option. The fish will remain tender and moist, and the glaze will caramelize nicely during baking.

4. Can I use frozen mahi mahi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen mahi mahi. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking, and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling it on a warm summer evening or preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe provides a refreshing balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will surely impress. The fresh pineapple salsa adds a burst of brightness that complements the rich, savory mahi mahi, while the sweet chili glaze brings everything together with its bold and balanced flavors.

Serve this tropical delight with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a dish that’s not only tasty but visually stunning. So, get ready to wow your guests or treat yourself to something special—this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire!

Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa: A Tropical Delight for Every Occasion

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet Chili Glazed Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is a beautiful fusion of savoriness and sweetness, designed to elevate the flavor profile of Mahi Mahi fillets. The dish centers around the sweet chili glaze, which has hints of soy sauce, lime, and a touch of heat, giving it depth and balance. When paired with the fresh, fruity, and slightly spicy pineapple salsa, the combination is sheer magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Mahi Mahi:

• 4 mahi mahi fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for extra heat)

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For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced small

• ½ red bell pepper, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the Pineapple Salsa

1. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.

2. Season lightly with salt.

3. Toss well and refrigerate while preparing the fish (to let the flavors meld).

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2. Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using).

2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and set aside.

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3. Cook the Mahi Mahi

Option A – Pan-Seared (Quick & Crisp):

1. Pat fish dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add mahi mahi fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C).

4. Brush generously with the sweet chili glaze during the last minute of cooking.

Option B – Grilled (Smoky & Summery):

1. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates lightly.

2. Grill fish 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with glaze near the end.

Option C – Oven-Baked (Easy & Hands-Off):

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with glaze.

3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through.

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4. Serve

1. Plate the mahi mahi and spoon pineapple salsa generously over each fillet.

2. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired.

3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.

Notes

For a tropical twist, serve this mahi mahi over coconut rice or alongside grilled vegetables. You can also drizzle a little extra sweet chili glaze on top just before serving for added flavor and shine.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with salsa
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Mahi Mahi with Sweet Chili Glaze, Sweet Chili Mahi Mahi, Tropical Mahi Mahi, Pineapple Salsa Mahi Mahi