Introduction
Grilling mahi-mahi on the Arteflame grill gives it a beautiful sear while keeping the fish tender and juicy. Paired with a rich bourbon sauce, this Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi recipe takes seafood to a whole new level. The bourbon sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and depth to the mild, flaky mahi-mahi. It’s the perfect dish for a special dinner or backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
For the Mahi Mahi:
- 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by lighting your Arteflame grill. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil, place them in the center of the grill, stack firewood on top, and ignite the napkins. Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches a high heat, perfect for searing the mahi-mahi, while the outer flat cooktop remains at a moderate temperature for finishing the fish and making the sauce.
Step 2: Season the Mahi Mahi
Brush the mahi-mahi fillets with olive oil or melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Generously coat both sides of the mahi-mahi fillets with the seasoning blend.
Step 3: Sear the Mahi Mahi
Once the grill is hot, place the mahi-mahi fillets directly on the center grill grate for a quick sear. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes, until a nice crust forms and the fillets are lightly charred. Move the fish to the cooler outer flat cooktop to finish cooking, about 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Step 4: Prepare the Bourbon Sauce
While the mahi-mahi finishes cooking, melt the butter on the outer flat cooktop in a small skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve
Once the mahi-mahi is done, drizzle the bourbon sauce over the top of the fish fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish. Enjoy this flavorful and tender Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi with the perfect hint of bourbon sweetness.
Tips
- Bourbon Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or more cream to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Fish Doneness: Mahi-mahi is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Perfect Sear: For a crispy, flavorful crust, make sure the center grate is very hot before placing the fish.
Variations
- Spicy Bourbon Mahi Mahi: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the bourbon sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Bourbon Glaze: Add 1 tbsp of honey to the bourbon sauce for a sweeter, stickier glaze.
- Garlic Lemon Mahi Mahi: Replace the bourbon sauce with a simple garlic butter sauce made with lemon zest and fresh parsley for a lighter option.
- Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa: Top the grilled mahi-mahi with a fresh mango salsa (mango, red onion, cilantro, lime) for a tropical twist.
- Bourbon BBQ Mahi Mahi: Add 2 tbsp of your favorite BBQ sauce to the bourbon sauce for a smoky BBQ-inspired glaze.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a light quinoa salad to complement the flavors.
- Drinks: Pair with a bourbon-based cocktail, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or an iced tea to balance the richness of the sauce.
Conclusion
This Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi with bourbon sauce is a standout dish that combines the natural sweetness of mahi-mahi with a rich, creamy bourbon sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or grilling for family, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your backyard with the help of the Arteflame grill.
