
Roasted Mahi Mahi with Crispy Kale and Lemon Garlic Butter
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under 40 minutes and feels restaurant quality without the fuss. The mahi mahi stays wonderfully tender and flaky when roasted, while the crispy kale gets perfectly charred at the edges. What really makes this dish shine is the lemon garlic butter that brings everything together, and I love that kale is packed with vitamins and antioxidants so you know you're eating something truly nourishing. Best part? You only need one sheet pan and a handful of quality ingredients, making cleanup practically painless.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 4mahi mahi fillets(6 oz each, patted dry)
- 1893 mlfresh kale(chopped into bite-sized pieces, stems removed)
- 5 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoonsbutter
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoonlemon zest
- 4fresh thyme sprigs
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange kale pieces on a large baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon pepper, then toss until evenly coated.
Tip: Remove stems from kale for a better texture; they become tough when roasted.
- 2
Place the kale in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and crispy, stirring halfway through cooking.
Tip: Watch carefully as kale can burn quickly; it should be crackly but not blackened.
- 3
While kale roasts, place mahi mahi fillets on a separate baking sheet, brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on both sides, season with remaining salt and pepper.
Tip: Pat the fish dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve better browning.
- 4
Add the mahi mahi to the oven on a different rack, roasting for 12-15 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: Mahi mahi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking as it can become dry.
- 5
In a small saucepan, heat butter with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
Tip: Don't let the garlic brown; it should be golden and fragrant for the best flavor.
- 6
Remove the kale from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the warm lemon garlic butter over the kale and toss gently to coat evenly.
Tip: Toss the kale gently so it maintains its crispy texture rather than becoming soggy.
- 7
Divide the kale among four plates, top each with a roasted mahi mahi fillet, and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the fish.
- 8
Garnish each plate with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon zest, then serve immediately while the fish is still warm.
Tip: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for additional brightness if desired.
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