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15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish

15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish

Thick mahi-mahi fillets get a fast ancho-cumin rub before hitting a smoking skillet for that quick, gorgeous crust. While the fish rests, you sizzle sweet corn and sliced jalapeño right in the same pan juice for a bright, smoky lunch that comes together in a flash.

María “Mari” Santiago
María “Mari” Santiago
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
2
easy
lunch
seafoodquick-lunchweeknight-brighthigh-heat-sear+1

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Timeline

10 minutes
0m5m10m
Season Mahi-Mahi
3m
Prep Relish Veggies
2m
Sear Fish
6m
Sizzle Corn Relish
3m
Assemble & Finish
2m

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Mahi-mahi fillets(cut into 2 thick portion-sized pieces, patted bone-dry)
  • 1 tsp Ancho chile powder(or standard chili powder if in Bodega Mode)
  • 0.5 tsp Ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp Kosher salt(split between fish and relish)
  • 2 tbsp Avocado oil(divided; high heat is key here)
  • 1.5 cups Sweet corn kernels(fresh stripped off the cob or thawed frozen corn)
  • 1 Jalapeño(thinly sliced into rounds (seeded if you want milder heat))
  • 3 Scallions(thinly sliced, white and green parts separated)
  • 1 Lime(juiced (about 2 tbsp))
  • 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(roughly chopped)
  • 1 Ripe avocado(diced)
  • 2 tbsp Queso fresco(crumbled (optional finish, or substitute cotija))

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat 1 lb mahi-mahi fillets completely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of a golden crust!). Mix 1 tsp ancho chile powder, 0.5 tsp ground cumin, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp kosher salt in a small dish, then rub it all over both sides of the fish.

    3 min

    Tip: Getting the fish dry before spice-rubbing ensures it sears instead of steams.

  2. 2

    Slice 1 fresh jalapeño and the whites/greens of 3 scallions. Have your 1.5 cups sweet corn kernels ready by the stove.

    2 min

    Tip: Keep greens and whites of scallions together here for a quick pan toss.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat until shimmer-hot. Lay down the spiced 1 lb mahi-mahi fillets and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a dark, flavorful crust forms. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more until just cooked through. Transfer fish to a plate to rest.

    6 min

    Tip: Don't poke or move the fish while it sears! Let the heat do its job.

  4. 4

    In the same hot skillet (don't wipe it out—that spiced browned oil is flavor gold!), add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, 1.5 cups sweet corn kernels, sliced 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced 3 scallions, and remaining 0.25 tsp kosher salt. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes to get charred spots, then toss for another 1 minute.

    3 min

    Tip: Let the corn sit flat for 2 minutes so it gets blistered and sweet.

  5. 5

    Kill the heat under the skillet. Stir in squeeze of 1 juicy lime juice and 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Spoon the hot sizzled corn relish over and around the resting fish fillets. Top with diced 1 ripe avocado and 2 tbsp crumbled queso fresco. Ándale, lunch is served!

    2 min

    Tip: Taste it—then decide if you need one more tiny squeeze of lime or salt.

Chef's Notes

We’re not suffering for lunch on a busy workday! Mahi-mahi is sturdy, lean, and cooks in literally six minutes. The trick here is using the leftover skillet drippings from the spice-rubbed fish to char your sweet corn and jalapeños in under three minutes flat. Bodega Mode: frozen corn thawed under warm tap water works every bit as well as fresh cobs. If you want a little extra creaminess, swirl a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream right on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does 15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish take to make?

15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish takes about 15 minutes total. That includes 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 servings.

What skill level is needed for 15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for 15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish?

The main ingredients are: Mahi-mahi fillets, Ancho chile powder, Ground cumin, Garlic powder, Kosher salt, Avocado oil, Sweet corn kernels, Jalapeño, Scallions, Lime, Fresh cilantro, Ripe avocado, Queso fresco.

What type of meal is 15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish?

15-Minute Seared Spice-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Sizzled Corn & Charred Jalapeño Relish is categorized as: lunch.