Grilled Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi

If you aren't making Mahi Mahi at home and saving it for restaurant meals, it's time to change that! Cooking Mahi Mahi on the grill couldn't be easier and it makes for a delicious and easy meal. 

When it comes to fish and seafood, I live in a deeply divided house. I absolutely love it, like seriously love it. After growing up in a New England home where we ate fish and seafood all the time, it's one of my favorite things.

Then there is my husband. Just the smell of fish makes his stomach turn. After trying countless times to bring him to my side, I still can't even get him to take the smallest bite. Unfortunately, this has led to me cooking and eating seafood much less often than I would like. 

However lately I have been cooking tons of food on the grill, which is actually the perfect vehicle for preparing two meals without too much clean-up. A piece of steak or chicken for him and a piece of fish for me. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this, but I am so happy to have more fish in my life.

Since I am eating more fish, I have been reaching out beyond my normal choices like (salmon and cod) and experimenting with cooking different types of fish at home, like this mahi mahi. Last week I made this Blackened Mahi Mahi and this week I am throwing it on the grill.

For this preparation, I wanted something easy so I marinated it in lemon, butter, garlic, thyme, and lots of black pepper.  It's easy, healthy, and in case you live in a house divided like me, also works great for chicken.

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi Mahi is the Hawaiian word for the dolphinfish. Not to be confused with the marine mammal, the dolphinfish or Mahi Mahi is a brightly colored, flat-headed fish that lives in warm waters around the world. In Hawaiian it means strong-strong. 

In terms of flavor, many people compare Mahi Mahi to a more affordable version of halibut. It is a meaty white fish with firm flesh and a mild flavor. It is meatier than fish like tilapia or cod, but not quite as meaty as something like swordfish. 

Mahi mahi is also a sustainable, eco-friendly fish option since it is abundant in many areas and hasn't been overfished. 

What You'll Need for Grilled Mahi Mahi

Here are all the ingredients you need to make this tasty lemon pepper grilled fish.

• Mahi Mahi: Whenever possible, it is also best to buy fresh mahi fish since it will have the best flavor. However, many times the only option is previously frozen fish. Look for fish that was immediately frozen. Always let it defrost natural overnight in the fridge for best results.
• Lemon: Fish and lemon are a natural pair and the lemon in this recipe gives great flavor to the fish. It also helps the fish to marinate quickly with its acidic nature. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Butter: Butter adds some richness to the recipe and just works really well with fish. You could also use olive oil, ghee, or avocado oil.
• Garlic: Another layer of flavor is from the garlic. If you aren't a huge garlic fan, leave it out. 
• Thyme: Using dried herbs adds a depth of flavor to the fish. Any dried herb you like will work but I love the combination of lemon, garlic, and thyme.
• Black Pepper: To make this lemon pepper fish, you need a lot of fresh black pepper. 

What to Serve with Grilled Fish

The best side dishes for grilled fish are quick and easy salads or side dishes that can be made on the grill. That way you aren't cooking inside and outside at the same time. Consider making a big green salad, grilled vegetables, a cold potato salad, or even a quick fruit salad. Here are some of the best side dishes for grilled mahi mahi.

• Grilled vegetables: It's hard to beat grilled veggies and they can cook at the same time as the fish. Try Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Vegetable Skewers, or even this tasty Grilled Avocado.
• Salads: Make a bright and zippy salad to serve with the mahi mahi. Try this Mexican Street Corn Salad, Spinach Salad, or Tomato and Cucumber Salad.
• Quick sides: On extra busy nights, you can almost always find me cooking some frozen or precooked brown rice and making a quick raw veggie tray.