Pure Nutrition & Wellness

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Sweet Chili Glaze

This quick and easy grilled mahi mahi is infused with bold, Asian-inspired flavors thanks to a simple marinade of coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce. Light, flavorful, and perfect for summer grilling!

As a dietitian, I’m always looking for meals that check all the boxes—nutritious, simple to prepare, and family-approved. This mahi mahi recipe is one of my favorites because it’s packed with protein, heart-healthy fats, and fresh flavors. Even my teenager, who isn’t usually a big fan of fish, cleans his plate every time we have it!

This recipe is quick enough for a busy weeknight but feels special enough for a weekend dinner. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of whole grains and vegetables to create a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired plate.

Why Mahi Mahi is so Good for You

Mahi mahi is a lean, high-quality protein source with about 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving—perfect for supporting muscle health, keeping you full longer, and balancing blood sugar.

It’s also rich in:

✅ Vitamin B12 – essential for energy and nervous system health
✅ Selenium – a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid and immune function
✅ Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory fats that promote heart and brain health

This recipe isn’t just about the fish—the flavorful marinade brings its own nutrition benefits:

🥄 Toasted Sesame Oil – Provides healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, which have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Its rich, nutty flavor goes a long way, so you get big taste with a small amount.

🥥 Coconut Aminos – A lower sodium alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos adds a slightly sweet, umami flavor without the gluten or excessive salt. It also contains small amounts of amino acids and antioxidants.

🌶 Sweet Chili Sauce – While it does contain some natural sugars for sweetness, sweet chili sauce adds a flavorful punch with red chili peppers, rich in capsaicin, a compound with metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Sweet chili sauce provides just the right amount of zest without overpowering the dish.

Together, these ingredients create a marinade that’s both nourishing and delicious—proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland!

Tips for Making the Tastiest Mahi Mahi

  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help get a golden crust.
  • Use a hot grill or skillet to sear and lock in moisture.
  • Don’t overcook it. Mahi mahi is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque or when a meat thermometer reads about 135 degrees Fahrenheit.  Overcooking will cause dry fish.

What to Serve with Mahi Mahi for a Balanced Meal

To build a nourishing plate, I recommend:

🍚 Starch (1/4 of your plate):

  • Quinoa, farro, or wild rice for a fiber-rich, satisfying base
  • Roasted sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness
  • Baked potato

🥬 Non-starchy veggies (1/2 of your plate):

  • Garlic-sautéed spinach or kale
  • Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
  • A fresh cabbage slaw with olive oil and vinegar
  • Crisp cucumber salad or side salad

🥑 Healthy fats- the sesame oil in the marinade provides plenty of added fat but if you are looking for a higher fat intake try one of these options: 

  • A spoonful of avocado or olive tapenade
  • A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews- place on top of the mahi mahi just before serving. The sesame seeds would complement the toasted sesame oil in the recipe and add a nutty crunch, while cashews pair beautifully with the sweet chili and coconut aminos for a Thai-inspired flavor. Both options provide healthy fats and a boost of texture to the dish.

This combination provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized—just what we’re looking for in a Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

Grilled Mahi Mahi With Sweet Chili Glaze

Pam Sherrill
This quick and easy grilled Mahi Mahi is infused with bold Asian-inspired flavors thanks to a simple marinade of coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce. Light, flavorful and simple for summer grilling.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Grill or skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4, 5 oz. Mahi Mahi filet
  • 4 tsp Coconut aminos
  • 1 - 1.5 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce.
  • Pat the filets dry with paper towels and place in a glass dish.
  • Pour the marinade evenly over the filets, and make sure that both sides are coated in marinade.
  • Allow the fish to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the grill preheats, or cover the dish and place in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
  • Heat the grill to medium high. If you prefer, place foil on the grill.
  • If the fish was in the refrigerator, allow it to sit out for 20 minutes before grilling. Remove the fish from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the filets on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Transfer to a platter and serve with your favorite sides—steamed rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad all work beautifully.
Keyword Anti-inflammatory, Flavorful, High Protein, Mediterranean, Nutritious

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