Roasted Mahi Mahi Bites
There are three little words I hear so often. No, it’s not those three little words. Not the ones you long to hear and melt your heart. No, it’s three little words my son has always said to me….”will I like it?”
It doesn’t have the same deep meaning and significance of those other three words but it warms my heart nonetheless as he places his trust in me for the answer. There are times when I’ve told him that he may not like something as I know there are some ingredients in it he has not liked in the past but to give it a try anyway.
And so the question was asked the other day when I placed this in front of him. Yes, Adam, you will like these. You will like these as an appetizer, as part of a buffet or as a meal itself. I’ve made these several times in the past, obviously when Adam was not around to recall how much he really did like them…alot. I know this when the plate is empty and he’s made several comments on how good they taste!
Any firm fish will work, like grouper or cod. In the freezer section at Trader Joes I found these Mahi Mahi pieces that have worked out perfectly for this recipe. I had hesitated initially on buying cut up pieces like this concerned about the taste and texture, however the flesh was firm, light and slightly pinkish. Most pieces I cut in half to make them bite size.
I seasoned the Mahi Mahi simply to not mask its sweet flavor profile and prepared a simple dipping sauce of a mix of mayo and sirachi sauce. They can be breaded and prepped a few hours ahead and roasting in a hot oven makes these an easy, totally appealing appetizer or finger food as I so love to do 🙂
Roasted Mahi Mahi Bites
1 lb Mahi Mahi pieces or other firm fish as grouper or cod, cut into bite size pieces, thawed if frozen
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs, beaten well
Preheat oven to 420 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or slipat. Lightly oil the pan.
Prepare a breading station by combining the breadcrumbs, parmesan and seasonings into a large bowl and the beaten egg in another. Dip the Mahi Mahi into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs. Place each piece onto the prepared pan. Drizzle olive oil over the tops. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once until golden brown and firm to the touch. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. I have used the mix of 3 to 1 mayo to sirachi sauce. Serves 4-6 as an appetizer.
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
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33 Comments
Hotly Spiced
These look really, really good and they almost look like home-made chicken nuggets (that are just nothing like the bought ones). How cute that he asks you, ‘Will I like it?’ I get that a lot around here too xx
spicegirlfla
You are right about them looking like chicken nuggets, and if I didn’t tell people, they’d get a surprise in their mouth expecting chicken!! I guess when you love to cook alot and constantly make new things, like you and I do, our kids are always a bit skeptical!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I’ve heard “will I like it” more often than I care to admit. It was the first thing out of my son’s mouth when I announced dinner.
spicegirlfla
Ahh…so I’m not the only mother who hears this!
Choc Chip Uru
Um yum much this looks absolutely delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
spicegirlfla
Um yum, yes it is indeed! Thank you!
ChgoJohn
Wow, Linda! These sound great. I probably would not have given these mahi mahi pieces a 2nd look if I saw them at Trader Joe’s. Now, though, you’ve got me thinking of using them — and your breading and dipping sauce — to make mahi mahi po’ boys. At least they’d last a while. If I made them to serve as finger food, I doubt any would make it out of my kitchen. I need to look for them the next time at Joe’s. Thanks for the heads-up!
spicegirlfla
Trader Joes has become my new best friend. I didn’t have one in South Florida and, as you know, I shopped mainly at my little Italian market. Now I haven’t been able to find an Italian market here…so sad, I really should have looked into that before EVER moving!! But I’ve found Joe’s and love that the Italian products are labeled ‘Trader Giottos’ !
Gardenfreshtomatoes
Mmmm, Mahi – my favorite fish!
Will pass this one to my daughter – I send her care packages up to the wilds of Central Mass that often include frozen Mahi…
spicegirlfla
Spoken like a mom! Love that you send little care packages!!
David
I love that they are oven roasted but look fried, and mayo/rooster sauce is a favorite! Of course he liked them!
spicegirlfla
Yes, really, how can you go wrong with serving this to a guy! Looks like fried chicken, tastes like fish! All good in his book!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook
Good for your Adam for trying it, I have an Adam too, and he used to ask when he was younger. And now he is a pretty adventurous eater. Definitely making the bites, they look so good. Especially with the sriracha mayo!
spicegirlfla
Thank you Carol. My son has also become more adventurous as he’s gotten older. He is even drinking green juices every day which totally surprises me!
Purely.. Kay
I can just go into this screen, take that plate, and bring it into my living room and enjoy this dish right now lol. I love this
spicegirlfla
You’re so funny Kay! Thanks, that sure is a compliment!!
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles
I’ve never had mahi-mahi but love the way you’ve transformed the fish here. Your batter sounds delightful Linda… I’m thinking chicken too… loving the garlic, chilli, onion combo… And, I’m quite certain my two sons ‘will like this’ too :).
spicegirlfla
Mahi Mahi is also known as dolphin, but because it sounds so much like “Flipper” (are you old enough to remember that show? 🙂 , it’s been called Mahi Mahi. Any firm fish will do, and of course chicken too!
Tandy
lovely words to hear, hopefully followed by “yes, I did” 🙂
spicegirlfla
“Yes” does make me happy and it’s usually a ‘yes’ unless I already know he’s not going to like specific things in a recipe!!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
I haven’t had mahi-mahi since my last visit to Florida. I’ll substitute cod which is always fresh in the seafood market.
spicegirlfla
I know Karen, Mahi Mahi reminds me of home….sunny Florida. Guess it will take me awhile to let go!
Geni
I have a very picky seventeen-year-old son and I am so excited to try this out on him as well. I am so glad you shared one of your best, “Get him to eat fish” recipes. Thanks Linda! I hope your Labor Day was a happy one. Ours was quiet and small which was kind of a nice change.
spicegirlfla
Hi Geni, my son is not a fish eater, but slowly I’ve gotten him to try more. And really, look at these, they look fried so he was happy with that! I had a quiet Labor Day here too, in fact, it didn’t even feel like a holiday to me. Glad yours was good, quiet and no drama!!
Kitchen Belleicious
this is one of those post that leave me saying why didn;t i think of that! really? come on- this is genius! I love them
spicegirlfla
Thanks Jessica, Sometimes it’s the simple things we forget!!
My Inner Chick
—Drooling in Minnesota )))))) X
Amy @ ElephantEats
Aw, how cute your son asks you that 🙂 These look great! I make a similar dish and serve it over arugula with a bit of a vinaigrette. A perfect light meal!
Kristy
These look fantastic Linda! And I couldn’t help but chuckle. Mr. N often asks me the same question (even with food has had a million times over). 🙂 These will be a hit with all of us – and will be a perfect meal for the nights Mike is teaching and it’s me and the kids. It’s easy and will be devoured!
spicegirlfla
Maybe it’s a boy thing about asking if they will like it, or just probably because I scare my son with some of my creations (that don’t make it to the blog!) These little fish bites are definitely great for dinner with the kids and when serve them as appetizers for parties, I’m amazed how quickly they are gone!!
France @ Beyond The Peel
Who wouldn’t like these! These look super yummy, like homemade fish sticks but little and cute.
spicegirlfla
And because they are not fried my guests have been even more happy to dig in!! and me too!
petit4chocolatier
I am definitely drooling! I have not had Mahi Mahi in such a long time. Love your recipe!