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
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
-
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.
-
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
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.
-
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
-
Warm an oven-safe nonstick or sauté pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
-
Add the fillets and sear 2–2½ minutes per side until the crust develops a golden color — don’t let it burn.
-
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
-
In a small saucepan, combine the beer and pineapple juice. Simmer gently over medium heat until reduced to roughly 2 tablespoons of liquid.
-
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.
-
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