Mahi Mahi Tartare & Sushi
Make this easy mahi mahi tartare and sushi-style nigiri with avocado, lemon, lime and olive oil. A fresh seafood recipe for two, ready in 30 minutes.
This Mahi Mahi Tartare & Sushi-Style Nigiri is one of those recipes that looks elegant and sophisticated but is actually very easy to make. With just two pieces of frozen mahi mahi, you can prepare a beautiful meal for two. The mahi mahi is marinated with fresh lemon, lime, extra-virgin olive oil, grated onion, salt, and pepper, then combined with creamy avocado and served with cold, sticky rice shaped into simple sushi-style pieces.
The secret to getting the right sushi shape is making sure the rice is completely cold and sticky. A perfectly ripe avocado, fresh lemon and lime, and a good quality olive oil are also key to bringing out the delicate flavor of the mahi mahi. I like to add a little Sriracha to some of the pieces for a spicy contrast.
Served over fresh arugula with a simple lemon, olive oil, and mustard dressing, this dish is fresh, light, colorful, and full of flavor. Add a couple of slices of toasted sourdough or seeded bread on the side, and you have an easy meal that feels special enough for entertaining.
The best part? You don’t need complicated sushi-making skills. With cold sticky rice, fresh ingredients, and a little creativity, you can create this beautiful restaurant-style plate right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Highlights
- 🐟 Simple & elegant: Restaurant-style presentation without complicated techniques.
- 🍣 Easy sushi-style shapes: Cold, sticky rice makes it easy to create the perfect shape.
- 👨🍳 Perfect for two: Just 2 pieces of mahi mahi are enough to make this recipe for two.
- 🥑 Ripe avocado is key: Choose a perfectly ripe avocado for the best creamy texture.
- 🍋 Fresh citrus: Lemon and lime brighten the mahi mahi and balance the richness of the avocado.
- 🫒 Good olive oil matters: Use a quality extra-virgin olive oil for the marinade and dressing.
- 🌶️ Optional spicy touch: Add Sriracha to some pieces for a little heat.
- 🌿 Fresh arugula salad: The peppery greens and lemon-mustard dressing balance the dish beautifully.
- 🍞 Perfect with toast: Serve with toasted sourdough or seeded bread for extra crunch.
- Beautiful but easy: A fresh, colorful dish that looks impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills.
View Recipe
Mahi Mahi Tartare & Sushi
Difficulty: Easy2
servings30
minutes30
minutes275
kcalThis Mahi Mahi Tartare & Sushi-Style Nigiri combines fresh sushi-grade mahi mahi with creamy avocado, zesty lemon, and a touch of spicy Sriracha, served over a crisp arugula salad with a bright lemon-mustard dressing. The mahi mahi is lightly marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, grated onion, salt, and pepper, then layered into an elegant tartare stack and shaped into beautiful nigiri-style bites. This fresh, light, and colorful seafood recipe is perfect for an elegant appetizer, healthy lunch, or sophisticated dinner for two.
Ingredients
For the mahi mahi tartare
8 oz (225 g) very fresh, sushi-grade mahi mahi, finely diced
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp finely grated onion
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to tasteFor the nigiri-style pieces
½ avocado, thinly sliced
1–2 tsp Sriracha
Lemon wedges or thin lemon slices
4–6 slices of mahi mahi, thinly sliced, for toppingFor the arugula salad
3 cups fresh arugula
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the mahi mahi tartare: Dice the mahi mahi very finely and place it in a chilled bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, grated onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and refrigerate for about 10–15 minutes.
- Make the arugula salad: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss gently with the arugula just before serving.
- Make the tartare layers: Place a small ring mold on a plate. Spoon in a layer of mahi mahi tartare and gently press it down. Add a thin layer of avocado, followed by another layer of tartare. Press gently so the layers hold their shape.
- Prepare the nigiri-style pieces: Shape small portions of the remaining tartare into compact oval, sushi-like shapes. Place a thin slice of mahi mahi on top of each one.
- Add the variations: For the spicy pieces, add a small drizzle or dot of Sriracha and a thin slice of avocado. Finish some pieces with a touch of lemon.
- Plate the tartare: Arrange the dressed arugula salad on the plate. Carefully invert the layered tartare mold over the center of the salad and lift the mold slowly, revealing the layers. Place the mahi mahi nigiri-style pieces around it.
Finish: Garnish with thin avocado slices, lemon, a few drops of Sriracha, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Calories
Notes
- Serve with 2 slices of toasted sourdough or seeded bread. It goes really well with the mahi mahi tartare, avocado, and lemon.
