Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Spicy Mango-Glazed Mahi Mahi
When you’re craving something that balances perfectly between sweet tropical flavors and warming spices, this mango-glazed mahi mahi delivers in every single bite.
I’m seriously obsessed with how the juicy mango chunks melt into a glossy sauce, coating the tender fish with their natural sweetness.
The combination of garam masala and paprika creates this warm, complex heat that doesn’t overwhelm but complements the tropical notes.
And can we talk about that cashew butter? It adds a rich creaminess that binds everything together.
Plus, it comes together in under 15 minutes—fast enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Spicy Mango-Glazed Mahi Mahi?
This mahi mahi recipe brings together tropical sweetness with warming spices, creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both exotic and comforting. What makes this recipe so special is the unexpected combination of ingredients—frozen mango provides natural sweetness while cashew butter adds a creamy richness that you wouldn’t typically expect in a fish dish. The Asian-inspired flavor boosters like hoisin and soy sauce create depth, while the warm spices elevate everything to restaurant-quality status.
- 8 ounces mahi mahi filet (frozen)
- 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon smooth cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your mahi mahi matters most—look for pieces that are firm and not discolored, even when frozen. Frozen mango works perfectly here and saves you the trouble of peeling and chopping fresh fruit. For the cashew butter, make sure it’s the smooth variety without added sugar or salt, which could throw off the balance of flavors. And while the recipe doesn’t call for it specifically, having a bit of fresh cilantro or green onion on hand to garnish would add a welcome pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
How to Make this Sweet & Spicy Mango-Glazed Mahi Mahi
This mahi mahi recipe couldn’t be simpler to prepare, yet delivers complex flavors that will make anyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. Start by combining most of your ingredients in a bowl—the 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks, 1 tablespoon smooth cashew butter, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon garam masala, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
Give everything a good stir until the cashew butter is incorporated throughout the mixture. This creates your sweet and spicy mango glaze that will transform the fish into something extraordinary.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add your 8-ounce mahi mahi filet and sauté for about 3 minutes to develop a nice golden crust.
Then comes the magic moment—add your mango-spice mixture to the pan and continue cooking until the mahi mahi becomes tender and flakes easily with a fork. You might notice the mango takes a bit longer to soften than the fish, which is perfectly normal. If this happens, simply remove the fish to a serving plate and let the mango mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes before pouring it over your perfectly cooked fish.
The contrast between the firm, meaty fish and the sweet, spicy sauce creates a textural wonderland in every bite.
For a complete meal that looks like it came from a tropical bistro, serve this mahi mahi alongside some pan-fried rosemary garlic potatoes and caramelized onions.
The starchy potatoes make an excellent canvas for soaking up any extra sauce, while the sweet, mellow flavor of caramelized onions complements the fruity notes in the dish.
And don’t those colors look gorgeous on the plate? The golden-brown fish topped with the vibrant orange-yellow mango sauce, next to crispy-edged potatoes and deep brown onions—a feast for the eyes before it even reaches your mouth.
For an authentic cooking experience that enhances the flavors of this tropical dish, consider preparing it in traditional Mexican cast iron cookware known for its excellent heat retention and distribution.
Sweet & Spicy Mango-Glazed Mahi Mahi Substitutions and Variations
While the classic mango-glazed mahi mahi recipe is delicious as written, you’ve got plenty of options to adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
Swap mahi mahi for salmon, tilapia, or even chicken if seafood isn’t your thing.
No frozen mango? Fresh works beautifully, or try pineapple for a tangier twist.
Almond butter can replace cashew butter in a pinch, and coconut aminos make a great soy-free alternative to soy sauce.
Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or throw in some cilantro and lime juice for a fresh finish.
What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Mango-Glazed Mahi Mahi
Perfect side dishes can transform your mango-glazed mahi mahi from a simple entrée into a memorable meal.
I’m a big fan of the serving suggestion from our recipe—pan-fried rosemary garlic potatoes with caramelized onions. The savory, herb-infused potatoes provide the perfect counterpoint to the sweet-spicy fish.
Other fantastic pairings? Consider coconut rice to complement those tropical flavors, or perhaps a bright citrus salad with avocado.
Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli would add a nice green element.
Want something light? A cucumber-mint salad keeps things invigorating, allowing the mahi mahi to shine as your star attraction.
Final Thoughts
As someone who cooks seafood regularly, I’ve found that mahi mahi offers incredible versatility in the kitchen. The firm texture and mild flavor make it perfect for absorbing this sweet-spicy mango glaze without becoming overwhelmed.
Who doesn’t love that perfect balance of tropical sweetness and warming spices?
This recipe strikes the sweet spot between impressive and approachable. The combination of mango, cashew butter, and aromatic spices creates layers of flavor that’ll have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.
And isn’t that our little secret? Quick enough for weeknights, special enough for company. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
