One of our favorites is the Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi when we think of the Caribbean, we imagine vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and mouthwatering dishes.
This delightful pasta dish marries the fresh, sweet flavor of mahi-mahi with a zesty salsa, creating a taste of the tropics that’s sure to impress.
During our travels, we discovered this recipe at a charming eatery in Nassau, where the locals knew how to combine simple ingredients into something truly special.
The fresh fish, paired with hearty penne pasta, makes for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
We love sharing recipes like this that remind us of our adventures. Join us as we guide you through making this delightful Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi, bringing a taste of the Bahamas right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Bahama Penne And Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe
We absolutely adore this Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe for several reasons.
First, mahi-mahi fillets are a great choice for seafood lovers. They have a mild flavor and a firm texture, making them perfect for grilling or searing. This fish stays together well while cooking, so we get those beautiful, large flakes on our plate.
Next, the tropical salsa adds a burst of flavor. With ingredients like lime, pineapple, and mango, each bite brings a taste of the Caribbean to our table. It’s both refreshing and vibrant!
The penne pasta makes this dish even more satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with the seared mahi-mahi, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. We love how the pasta absorbs the flavors of the salsa as well.
Eating healthy is easy with this recipe too. Mahi-mahi is considered a healthful fish option. It’s lean and packed with protein, making it a smart choice for our meals.
Finally, making this dish is quite simple. With quick prep steps and straightforward cooking, we can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending all day in the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe for Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi stands out because of its vibrant Caribbean flavors. The combination of fresh tropical fruits like mango and pineapple brings a bright taste that delights the palate.
Using Penne Rigate adds a unique twist. This pasta is lower in net carbs and high in dietary fiber, making it a great choice for our health. Each serving has around 200-250 calories, which is reasonable for a satisfying meal.
Mahi-Mahi is not only tasty but also packed with protein. A typical fillet offers about 20-25 grams of protein, which is great for our bodies. The recipe is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option.
The inclusion of ingredients like lime juice and fresh cilantro enhances the dish with zesty notes. These ingredients help to keep the sodium and fat content in check, making it suitable for various diets.
We can pair this dish with light side dishes like a simple salad or steamed vegetables. The contrast of flavors and textures creates a refreshing dining experience.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make the Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi, we need some basic kitchen tools and ingredients to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what we’ll use:
- Large Pot: For boiling the penne pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta after cooking.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: This will be used for searing the mahi-mahi.
- Spatula: Helpful for flipping the fish while cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out our liquids and ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping up fresh produce like mango and pineapple.
We will also use some cooking oils:
- Olive Oil: Great for searing the fish.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to our dish when combined with the oil.
- Avocado Oil: This can be a nice option for a healthier alternative.
Lastly, while brown rice is not a direct ingredient in the recipe, having some cooked on the side can be a nice addition if we want to bulk up our meal.
Cooking Instructions
To start off, we need to prepare the salsa.
In a bowl, combine lime juice, dry white wine, 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks, ½ cup of chopped fresh mango, chopped green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro.
We can pulse this mixture in a food processor until it’s coarsely chopped.
Next, we will wash and pat dry the mahi-mahi fillets.
We’ll take ½ cup of our salsa and place it in a glass dish or food-safe plastic bag. Let’s coat the fish with the salsa and let it refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While the mahi-mahi marinates, we can cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, we’ll drain it and return it to the pan.
Now, it’s time to heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, we carefully add the mahi-mahi fillets to the skillet.
We’ll cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it flakes easily with a fork.
As the mahi-mahi cooks, we can add some black beans and diced bell pepper to the pan for extra flavor. Once everything is ready, we plate our delicious pasta and top it with the mahi-mahi.
Finally, let’s drizzle some remaining salsa on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy our flavorful Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi!
Cooking Tips
For our Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi, we can make the dish even better with a few tips.
1. Seasoning
We recommend using black pepper and paprika to enhance the flavor of the mahi-mahi. A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a great hint of garlic without the fuss of chopping.
2. Spice it Up
If we want some heat, adding jalapeño peppers or even Thai red hot peppers can give us a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on our spice preference.
3. Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh lime juice is key for a zesty flavor. We can also squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
4. Cooking Time
When cooking the mahi-mahi, take care not to overcook it. 4-5 minutes on each side should help keep it flaky and moist.
5. Pasta Perfect
For the penne, make sure to cook it al dente. This ensures that our pasta holds up well with the sauce.
6. Garnishes
Finishing the dish with chopped parsley can add color and fresh flavor. We could also sprinkle some chili powder or a dash of cumin for an extra layer of taste.
Ingredients Needed for the Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe
Penne Rigate
Lime juice
Dry white wine
Pineapple chunks
Mango
Green onions chopped
Cilantro chopped
Mahi-mahi or grouper fillets
Olive oil
Thai red hot peppers or jalapeño peppers
Garlic minced
Black beans
Cilantro chopped
Instructions For Preparing the Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe
Preparing the Salsa and Marinating the Fish
In a food processor or blender, pulse lime juice, wine, 1 cup pineapple, ½ cup mango, green onions, and cilantro until coarsely chopped. Place ½ cup of the salsa in a glass dish or food-safe plastic bag, reserving the rest. Coat mahi-mahi fillets in the salsa, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta and Fish
Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and return to the pan. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté peppers and garlic until sizzling, about 1 minute. Pat marinated fish dry and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned. Pour reserved salsa around the fish and cook for another 4 minutes until it flakes easily. Remove fish and set aside.
Finishing and Serving
Add beans to the skillet and cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Remove from heat, then toss pasta with the sauce, remaining pineapple, and mango. Serve fish over the pasta and garnish with cilantro if desired.
FAQs For the Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe
Question: What ingredients are needed for a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe?
A: A Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe typically includes fresh mahi-mahi fillets, penne pasta, bell peppers, onions, garlic, heavy cream, lime juice, and Bahamian spices for a rich and flavorful dish.
Question: How do you achieve the perfect sear in a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe?
A: A Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe requires patting the mahi-mahi fillets dry, seasoning well, and cooking them in a hot skillet with a little oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Question: What type of sauce is best for a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe?
A: A Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe is often served with a creamy garlic and citrus sauce, blending tropical flavors with a smooth, rich texture that complements both the pasta and fish.
Question: Can I substitute the mahi-mahi in a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe?
A: Yes, a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe can be made with other firm fish like snapper, grouper, or tuna while maintaining the dish’s bold flavors.
Question: What side dishes complement a Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe?
A: A Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi recipe pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or sautéed vegetables to enhance the Caribbean-inspired flavors.
Bahama Penne and Seared Mahi-Mahi Recipe
Ingredients
- 13.25 oz Penne Rigate
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1-1/2 cups pineapple fresh chunks 1/2-inch pieces divided
- 1 cup mango fresh 1/2-inch pieces divided
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro fresh chopped
- 2 mahi-mahi or grouper fillets8 to 10 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 red hot peppers small Thai or jalapeño peppers finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz black beans can rinsed drained
- cilantro chopped optional
Instructions
Preparing the Salsa and Marinating the Fish
- In a food processor or blender, pulse lime juice, wine, 1 cup pineapple, ½ cup mango, green onions, and cilantro until coarsely chopped. Place ½ cup of the salsa in a glass dish or food-safe plastic bag, reserving the rest. Coat mahi-mahi fillets in the salsa, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta and Fish
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and return to the pan. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté peppers and garlic until sizzling, about 1 minute. Pat marinated fish dry and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned. Pour reserved salsa around the fish and cook for another 4 minutes until it flakes easily. Remove fish and set aside.
Finishing and Serving
- Add beans to the skillet and cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Remove from heat, then toss pasta with the sauce, remaining pineapple, and mango. Serve fish over the pasta and garnish with cilantro if desired.
1 comment
The seared mahi-mahi was perfectly cooked, with a crisp outer layer and flaky inside. The penne was coated in a flavorful sauce that complemented the fish beautifully. Everyone enjoyed the combination of textures and flavors, making it a meal I will definitely make again.
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