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Summer dinner upgrade: Mahi Mahi gets a crispy coconut cloak and a tangy pineapple-beer butter finish — this Coconut Crusted Mahi is effortless and showstopping. Perfect for weeknight feasts or weekend entertaining.

Coconut-Crusted Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Beer Butter Sauce

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

Crispy coconut-coated mahi-mahi finished with a bright, silky pineapple–beer butter sauce — tropical flavors that feel fancy but come together fast. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a laid-back island-style feast.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients — Fish

  • 4 mahi-mahi fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
  • 3 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp white pepper
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs + 2 tbsp cold water (for egg wash)
  • 2/3 cup toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)

Ingredients — Pineapple Beer Butter Sauce

  • 4 fl oz Mexican lager (or light beer)
  • 4 fl oz pineapple juice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 8 tbsp COLD unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro leaves or cilantro microgreens


Instructions

Method — Build the fish

  1. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt, white pepper, and coriander. Arrange them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to help the coating stick.

  2. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

  3. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs + cold water in the second, and the coconut mixed with panko in the third.

  4. Dredge each fillet in flour, then dip in the egg wash, then press into the coconut-panko mixture so the crust adheres. Press firmly but gently to compact the coating.

Method — Cook the fish

  1. Warm an oven-safe nonstick or sauté pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.

  2. Add the fillets and sear 2–2½ minutes per side until the crust develops a golden color — don’t let it burn.

  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast about 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when checked with two forks. Tip: internal doneness around 135–140°F keeps the fish moist.

Method — Make the sauce

 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the beer and pineapple juice. Simmer gently over medium heat until reduced to roughly 2 tablespoons of liquid.

  2. Remove from heat. Whisk in the cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth. If it cools too much to melt the butter, return briefly to very low heat — do not boil.

  3. Season with salt and taste; adjust if needed.


Notes

  • To serve
    • Place a coconut-crusted fillet on each plate, spoon a little pineapple-beer butter over the top (or pour at the table), and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice, fried plantains, or a crisp salad.
  • Short storage & reheating notes
    • Sauce: Refrigerate up to 3 days; rewarm gently and whisk to re-emulsify.
    • Cooked fish: Keeps 1–2 days in the fridge; reheat slowly in a 300°F oven to avoid drying.
    • Extra crust: Store separately at room temperature to preserve crunch.
  • Pro tip: Toast the shredded coconut briefly before mixing with panko for deeper flavor and less sogginess.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 2530mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 268mg