In response to a growing number of requests, we are launching a new feature in this edition of our monthly E-Newsletter, Seafood Savvy Recipes. We believe it will help our readers make better choices about the seafood they prepare at home and order in restaurants. Try this interesting take on on one of our local Gulf favorites. Bon Appetit.
The following recipe comes from Kristine Kidd, Monterey Bay Aquarium Food Editor.
Mahi Mahi Skewers with Tomatoes and Orzo
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless mahi mahi fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
1 1/4 pounds tomatoes (about 2 large), halved, seeds gently squeezed out, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups chopped)
1/4 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
2 teaspoons minced shallot or green onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
1 1/3 cups orzo (rice shaped pasta)
Directions
Mahi Mahi
Prepare a barbecue grill with high heat. Combine the mahi mahi, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Let marinate while preparing the tomatoes.
Tomatoes
Combine the chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, olives, shallot and herbs in another medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Thread the mahi mahi pieces onto the skewers. Add the orzo to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until just tender but still firm to the bite, 8-10 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, place the fish on the grill, cover and cook 4-5 minutes per side. It should be just firm to the touch and appear just opaque in the center when cut into with a small sharp knife.
Spoon the orzo down the center of 4 warmed plates. Place 1 skewer atop each. Spoon the tomato mixture over and serve immediately.
Mahi mahi that is pole-and-line or troll-caught from the U.S. Atlantic is a Seafood Watch “Best Choice.” All other U.S.-caught sources are considered a “Good Alternative” but “Avoid” all imported mahi mahi caught with a longline.
START is a partner of Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch Program.
