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Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

Hawaiian macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi recipe: buttery flaky island fish under a golden macadamia crust with bright lemon, an easy island dinner favorite.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Macadamia nuts, native to Australia but adopted wholeheartedly by Hawaii, star in this modern island classic. Chefs across the islands pair the rich, buttery nut with flaky local fish like mahi mahi, creating a dish that shows up on menus from Waikiki to Kona.

What makes it great is the textural magic: a crunchy, toasty nut crust giving way to moist, sweet fish. A squeeze of lemon cuts the richness and makes every bite taste like the islands.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the macadamia nuts and panko. Place the flour in another dish and the eggs in a third.
  3. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press into the nut mixture to coat both sides.
  4. Heat the butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fillets for 2 minutes per side until golden.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the fish flakes easily.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and, if you like, a drizzle of brown butter.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Chop the macadamia nuts by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor, over-processing turns them to butter. Any firm white fish, like ono or snapper, works beautifully here.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →