Easy Paleo Mahi Mahi Recipe in Sundried Tomato Sauce (2024)

Last Updated on January 18, 2022 by Jean Choi 15 Comments

This quick and easy pan fried paleo mahi mahi recipe is served coated in the most amazing creamy sun dried tomato sauce, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes! The result is a healthy and comforting weeknight dinner for the whole family.

Mahi mahi has quickly become my favorite fish after salmon. It’s meaty like swordfish, yet has a much milder flavor with a subtle sweetness. I also love that it’s not too fishy and cooks very quickly, making it an easy and tasty protein for everyday. This Whole30 and keto mahi mahi recipe is healthy and delicious, and so perfect as an easy gluten free weeknight meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Paleo Mahi Mahi Recipe

This paleo and Whole30 mahi mahi recipe has been our new go-to way to cook this fish. Not only is the flavor of the garlicky and creamy sun dried tomato sauce so wonderful and delicious, the fish gets cooked perfectly tender and flaky every time. The best thing is that it’s quick and easy, and the whole thing takes just 20 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients to Cook Mahi Mahi

• mahi mahi filets: This is my favorite type of fish for this recipe but you can use any other white fish
• salt and pepper
• ghee: I love how ghee gives a buttery flavor with minimal dairy. However, you can also use any other cooking oil on hand, like avocado oil or coconut oil. Olive oil will also work.

How to Pan Fry Mahi Mahi

I used to be intimidated about cooking fish, but it’s actually so easy! The important thing to remember is to not overcook it. Otherwise, it’ll get tough and chewy. Here’s how to pan fry mahi mahi filets so they are tender and flaky every time.

1. Pat dry the fish with a paper towel.
2. Sprinkle all over with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. I like to use ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil.
4. When the pan is hot, add the filets. Pan fry for 3-4 minutes per side.

So easy and simple. How long to pan fry mahi mahi depends on the thickness of the fish. Mine were about 1 inch thick, and 4 minutes per side came out perfectly for this Whole30 and keto mahi mahi dinner. If you want to grill mahi mahi, you can do using the same length of time, but the sauce should be made in a pan over stovetop. I find that pan frying or grilling is much quicker than the oven bake method, with better texture and flavor.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is what really pulls this paleo and Whole30 mahi mahidish together. It’s so easy to make too, and you just need 5 simple ingredients:

• garlic: I don’t recommend using garlic powder. It won’t give the same intense and amazing flavor.
• sun dried tomatoes
• coconut milk
• dijon mustard
• baby spinach

All of these ingredients are simmered together until combined. You then nestle the mahi mahi filets in the creamy sauce and cook together for just a minute until the flavors meld together. The result is so wonderful and comforting, and the creamy sun dried tomato sauce complements the mildness of the fish so well! If you like a bit more acidity, you can also add a bit of lime juice or lemon juice, but I think it’s wonderful just the way it is.

Expert Tips

• While I love mahi mahi, you can use any white fish for this recipe. Just adjust the time you pan fry, depending on the thickness of the fish. Some other white fish you can substitute with are grouper, cod, tilapia, halibut, catfish, and haddock.
• To keep this Whole30 mahi mahi compliant and sugar free, make sure to check the ingredients for the sun dried tomatoes and dijon mustard. To keep it Whole30, I used these sun dried tomatoes packed in oil and this organic dijon mustard.
• If you are not a fan of coconut milk, I recommend using another milk with a thicker texture like homemade cashew milk. If you are looking for a keto mahi mahi dinner with dairy, heavy cream can be used as well.
• This gluten free paleo mahi mahi recipe can be served with any of your favorite veggies, but I recommend serving it with something that really soaks up the creamy sun dried tomato sauce. Some great options are cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles!

If you enjoyed this Whole30 and keto mahi mahi recipe, you might also like…

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• Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)
• Paleo Shrimp Alfredo with Artichokes Hearts (Whole30, Keto, AIP)