Lean, moist, and with a delicate, not overly fishy flavor, mahi mahi is a versatile centrepiece to your midweek meal. The leanness of mahi mahi is a bit of a double-edged sword as it can become overly dry if overcooked. Fortunately, cooking this fish using sous vide is an absolute breeze. This precise cooking method allows you to cook this delicate fish to its ideal temperature and texture without drying it out. Follow this simple guide to prepare tender and succulent mahi mahi every time. 

Temperature and cooking times for mahi mahi

TemperatureTimeResult
125°F*30-60 minutesRare, tender, slightly flaky
130°F30-60 minutesMedium, firm, moist, and flaky
135°F30-60 minutesWell done but still moist, flaky
*Please note that some of these temperatures are lower than what the FDA recommends. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness.

Depending on the thickness of the mahi mahi, we recommend cooking it for between 30-60 minutes. Certain tougher proteins benefit from some extra time in the sous vide water bath however fish should be removed as soon as possible. If the fish is left in the Suvie or sous vide bath for longer than an hour it will start to develop a dry, unpleasant texture.

Follow this link to find out more information about Suvie cooking times and temperatures

Ingredients

  • Mahi mahi fillets
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive oil or butter

Equipment

  • Suvie or an immersion circulator
  • A large pot (if using an immersion circulator)
  • Freezer safe sealable plastic bags

Directions

Season the mahi mahi generously on both sides with salt and pepper, place in a sealable freezer bag (remove air from the bag using the water displacement method). Add 2 tbsp of olive oil or some butter and seal the bag. 

If you’re using an immersion circulator, pre-heat your water bath to the desired temperature.

Vacuum seal bag using our DIY vacuum-sealing guide. If you want your fish brined you can store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the seasoning to penetrate the fish. 

If you are using Suvie, place the bag in the protein pan and cover with water. Cook using the following settings:

Suvie Cook Settings

Bottom Zone: Sous Vide at 125-135°F for 30 to 60 minutes (based on desired doneness)

Top Zone: Sous Vide at 125-135°F for 30 to 60 minutes (based on desired doneness)

Once the cook is finished, remove the fish from the water bath or pan. 

Remove the fish from the bag and place on a paper towel.

Finishing

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over high heat until the pan is very hot. Once the oil begins to smoke place mahi mahi fillets in the pan. Press the fish down to make sure that all the surface is in contact with the pan and and sear for 1 minute without flipping. Flip over and brown the other side for another minute seconds. Remove from pan.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipes to try

Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa

FAQs

Should I add oil during the sous vide process?

You don’t have to, but we strongly recommend it. Unlike steak or chicken, fish benefits from a little bit of fat during the sous vide process. 

Can I leave the mahi mahi fillets in sous vide for longer than 60 minutes? 

As with all proteins, at low temperatures, mahi mahi that is left in the sous vide bath for too long will develop a soft texture that some may find unpleasant. At higher temperatures, the fish will become overly dry. 

What’s the chalky white substance on the exterior of the fish?

You may notice a white film forms on the exterior of your fish after it has cooked. This is albumin, a water-soluble protein that coagulates when heated and is completely safe to eat. It’s the same protein you find in egg whites and milk. Simply rinse or carefully brush off the albumin with a paper towel to remove.

Note: Adding oil to the sous vide bag should help to inhibit the development of the albumin.

Where can I get vacuum sealed proteins?

If you don’t want to fuss with vacuum sealers and ziplock bags you can skip the store and order the Suvie Protein Box. Just put together your ideal combination of preseasoned, portioned, and vacuum-packed high-quality meat, poultry, or fish. We deliver it to you frozen in a carefully-packed box.

What if I can’t find mahi mahi in the grocery store?

If you’re struggling to find this fish at your local store try using halibut instead. While it’s not exactly the same, halibut does have a similar texture and flavor to mahi mahi.

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