Mahi-Mahi with Peanut Sauce (Maafe-inspired Fish)
A flavorful dish featuring pan-seared mahi-mahi served with a rich, savory peanut sauce, often accompanied by rice or millet. This variation focuses on fish as the primary protein within a maafe-style sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 each Mahi-Mahi fillets(about 6 oz each, skinless)
- 1 cup Peanut butter(unsweetened, natural)
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes(canned, undrained)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, peanut butter, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- 5
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
While the sauce simmers, pat the mahi-mahi fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 7
Sear the mahi-mahi fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. - 8
To serve, ladle the peanut sauce onto plates and top with the seared mahi-mahi fillets. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓This sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- ✓Serve with couscous, rice, or millet for a complete meal.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute other firm white fish like cod or snapper.
- Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for brightness.
- Include chopped bell peppers or sweet potatoes in the sauce for added vegetables.