Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Creamy White Corn and Hearts of Palm delivers an impressive restaurant-quality seafood dinner with minimal effort. This elegant mahi mahi recipe balances the clean, mild flavor of perfectly seared fish with a luxurious, creamy vegetable base for a gourmet weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

How to Achieve the Perfect Sear on Mahi Mahi Fillets

The star of this healthy seafood recipe is the mahi mahi, a firm white fish with a sweet, clean flavor profile that makes it ideal for easy fish dinners. The fillets are seasoned with a simple yet effective spice blend of cumin, paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a warm, earthy foundation that enhances the fish’s natural flavor without overpowering it.

The key to perfectly seared mahi mahi is technique: heat your skillet until it’s properly hot before adding the extra virgin olive oil and fish. This ensures you’ll develop that coveted golden-brown crust while maintaining a moist, flaky interior. For restaurant-quality fish at home, resist the urge to move the fillets once they hit the pan—only flip them once when they naturally release from the surface, indicating the perfect sear has formed.

Creating a Luxurious Creamy Corn Base

The bed of creamy white corn and hearts of palm elevates this dish from simple to sophisticated. Fresh sweet corn kernels cut directly from the cob provide natural sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. When sautéed with aromatic garlic and onion, the corn develops complex flavor notes that form the foundation of this gourmet seafood recipe.

Hearts of palm, an often overlooked ingredient in home cooking recipes, add an elegant touch with their subtle artichoke-like flavor and tender texture. These premium ingredients create a luxurious base that complements the fish perfectly, making this dish ideal for special occasion dinners or date night recipes.

The Secret to the Silky Cream Sauce

The rich cream sauce that brings this dish together strikes the perfect balance—decadent without overwhelming the delicate fish. A combination of heavy cream and vegetable broth creates the silky base, while fresh cilantro and bright lime juice cut through the richness, adding vibrant notes that awaken the palate and complement the earthy spices on the mahi mahi.

This versatile seafood sauce can be adapted to your taste preferences—add a touch of white wine for acidity, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in Dijon mustard for complexity. Each variation creates a new dimension to this impressive yet easy fish recipe.

Plating Like a Professional Chef

For a restaurant-style presentation that will impress dinner guests, spread the creamy corn mixture on warmed plates, creating a foundation for the beautifully seared fish. The visual contrast between the golden-brown mahi mahi and the creamy white base makes for a striking presentation that rivals upscale seafood restaurants.

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of vibrant green color and serve with lime wedges on the side, encouraging diners to add a final squeeze of bright citrus just before eating. This thoughtful touch balances the richness of the cream sauce and elevates the overall flavor profile of this gourmet mahi mahi dinner.

Perfect Wine Pairings

Complete your elegant seafood dinner with the perfect wine pairing. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish with its bright acidity and citrus notes, while an unoaked Chardonnay harmonizes beautifully with the creamy corn base. For those who prefer red wine, choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate fish flavors.

Why This Recipe Works for Special Occasions and Weeknights Alike

This pan-seared mahi mahi recipe strikes the rare balance between sophistication and simplicity. While the presentation and flavor profile suggest hours of preparation, the entire dish comes together in less than 30 minutes using straightforward techniques and readily available ingredients.

Whether you’re planning a romantic seafood dinner, entertaining guests, or simply elevating your weeknight cooking routine, this Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Creamy White Corn and Hearts of Palm delivers impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of perfectly seared fish, luxurious cream sauce, and unique vegetable medley creates a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for your culinary secrets.