Mahi Mahi, (sometimes called Dolphin or Dorado) is one of the most recognizable offshore gamefish.
They are a blast to catch, and everyone loves a fried Mahi sandwich back at the marina…
But can you eat Mahi Mahi raw?
This article will cover everything you need to know about how to prepare, enjoy, and eat Mahi Mahi raw along with 3 mouth-watering recipes!
Table of Contents
- Is Mahi Mahi Good To Eat Raw?
- What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
- Is Raw Mahi Mahi Safe To Eat?
- Is Mahi Mahi Good For You?
- How To Prepare Mahi Mahi To Eat Raw
- How To Eat Mahi Mahi Raw
- Raw (And Simple) Mahi Mahi Recipes
- Final Thoughts
- Related Posts
Is Mahi Mahi Good To Eat Raw?
Mahi Mahi is ideal for raw consumption. If you happen to be a fan of sashimi, poke, or ceviche then you’re in for a treat.
Mahi Mahi is a tasty fish to eat either cooked or raw. It’s known for its versatility with different preparation methods and for being an affordable quality fish. It can also be used as a substitute for catfish or tilapia in most recipes.
Not only is Mahi Mahi great to eat cooked, but it’s a great fish to eat raw. It’s used in sashimi and poke and there is nothing like a good Mahi Mahi ceviche on a hot day.
What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?
Mahi Mahi is a mild, white fish, with sweet undertones, that has little to no fishy flavor to it. It is highly rated among anglers and seafood lovers.
The meat is lean and firm and holds its shape well, which makes it a great fish to grill. While the meat is white, it does have a slightly pinkish hue to it (especially around the bloodline), even when cooked.
The firmness and leanness of the meat are what makes it great for eating raw, and its not uncommon for offshore fishermen to eat the fish minutes after the catch while still out on the boat.
Is Raw Mahi Mahi Safe To Eat?
Mahi Mahi is absolutely safe to eat raw, as long as it’s prepared and stored properly. It is actually one of the safer fish to eat raw.
Given that it’s a saltwater fish, it doesn’t have the parasites that a lot of freshwater fish have. This makes it an ideal choice for sashimi, poke, and ceviche.
Is Mahi Mahi Good For You?
Not only is Mahi Mahi safe to eat raw, but it’s also a very healthy fish to indulge in. Like a lot of fish, it’s a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to heart and brain health.
Mahi Mahi also has high levels of Vitamin A, which not only promotes healthy vision but also contributes to cell growth and increased immunity.
Consuming it raw also allows you to get all the nutrients from the fish without altering them or reducing their health benefits through the cooking process (such as frying in seed oils).
How To Prepare Mahi Mahi To Eat Raw
The preparation of Mahi Mahi is the biggest thing you need to know if you plan to eat it raw.
For the best tasting raw Mahi, you should immediately fillet your fish and get it on ice as soon as possible. If you are unable to fillet your fish, you should gut the fish (remove the stomach contents) and bleed the fish by cutting the gills.
By doing this, you are reducing the chances of harmful bacteria and increasing the clean flavor of the raw meat.
Keep the whole fish on ice, or place the fillets in a water-tight container until ready to eat.
As with all raw fish, they are best when eaten fresh not frozen!
Do You Love Seafood?
How To Eat Mahi Mahi Raw
There are 3 main ways to prepare Mahi Mahi raw.
- Sashimi
- Poke
- Ceviche
Sashimi
Sashimi is a Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish, seafood, or meat. Due to the good texture and mild flavor of Mahi Mahi, it is used for sashimi.
Sashimi sometimes requires the fish or meat to be quickly seared, cooking only the outside, but leaving the inside mostly raw or rare.
Poke
Poke is a Hawaiian dish that is made from raw cubes of marinated fish which is put over rice and then topped with umami-flavored sauces and vegetables.
Mahi Mahi is great for poke bowls for people who want the benefits of poke but don’t want a strong fish flavor. Use sauces sparingly though to not overpower the taste of the meat.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a Peruvian dish that consists of fresh raw fish that has been cured in citrus juices. It’s light, clean, and very refreshing on hot days.
Ceviche is the perfect dish to make with your catch after a long day of fishing in the sun.
Raw (And Simple) Mahi Mahi Recipes
Mahi Sashimi
After filleting your Mahi-Mahi and removing the bones, skin, and bloodline, thoroughly rinse the fillet and pat dry.
With a sharp fillet knife, turn the blade at a 45-degree angle and slice thin 1/4″ medallions.
Sear the edges with a torch, or simply eat raw. Dip in Wasabi and soy sauce, and best when eaten fresh, not frozen!
Mahi Poke Bowl
The first step to preparing a good Poke Bowl is the marinade or dressing. You can buy pre-made Poke marinades such as Big Aloha Premium Hawaiian Poke Sauce, or create your own.
Ginger dressing, soy sauce, hot sauce and sesame oil can all be combined to your liking (some people like sweet, and others like it hott!).
Next, dice up your Mahi Fillets into 1/2 ‘inch cubes, place into a bowl and mix with your Poke Sauce and allow to sit for 30 minutes.
Cook up a batch of fresh jasmine rice, and place on the bottom of the bowl. Next, layer on your Raw Mahi in Poke sauce, and finally garnish with scallions, fresh ginger, avocado, and sriracha mayonnaise. Yum!
Mahi Ceviche
Mahi Ceviche can be prepared in a number of ways, and even combined with other seafood such as shrimp, conch, and other fish for a delicious fish.
First, dice up your filleted Mahi into small bite-size pieces 1/2 inch in length.
In a separate bowl combine 1 cup of lemon juice, 2 squeezed limes (juice only), and 1 tablespoon of clam juice.
Next dice up 1 whole white onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 large tomato, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, add just enough water to moisten all ingredients into a thick consistency, and thoroughly mix in your raw Mahi.
Let sit in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. The Mahi-Mahi pieces should turn white when they are ready to eat. Serve with Ritz crackers, tortillas, or fresh bread, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Mahi Mahi is a great fish to eat raw. The firm texture makes it ideal for poke and ceviche. If you enjoy a more pure approach to eating fish raw, then definitely try it as sashimi.
Remember to gut the Mahi Mahi immediately after catching it and always keep it chilled until you’re ready to consume it. Happy eating!
See Also: Is Amberjack Good To Eat? Or Is It A Trash Fish?
Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.
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