This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! Kev’s parents were in town, and even though we had a wonderfully relaxing weekend, my brain is completely fried, so I’m going to make this post short and sweet – plus I really want to have a glass of pinot grigio as soon as possible and my brain just can’t function after a drop of alcohol has entered my blood stream.
So…coconut crusted mahi mahi sliders? Ah-mazing.
And guess what? They’re pretty darn healthy too.
The idea for these is derived from my two favorite beach foods – coconut shrimp and fried grouper sandwiches. Both of which come from my favorite beach restaurant of all time, Pompano Joes in beautiful, sunny Destin, Florida. Have you been there? Destin is kind of my home away from home, my family has been going there since I was a little girl, and even though I haven’t been back in a couple years, it’s still one of my favorite places on earth. Since I can’t go to Pompano Joe’s at the drop of a hat, I thought I’d bring it home to me.
Although instead of deep-fried shrimp and fish, I skipped the hot oil, and opted for a healthier, less messy route – baking.
Mahi mahi filets are coated in a light breading of sweetened, shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs and then baked until super crispy and golden brown. The crispy fish is sandwiched between two mini brioche buns (I got mine from Whole Foods, but mini egg rolls would also work perfectly if you can’t find brioche) slathered with a (light) cumin lime aioli and topped off with a little bit of fresh mango and avocado making for the perfect tropical beach bite without the purchase of a plane ticket or fiery red sunburn – win-win.
Promise you’ll love these guys! Ok, now I’m off…pouring a glass of wine this very second…..
These coconut crusted mahi mahi sliders will transport you to the warm weather and crystal blue waters of the beach!
Ingredients
- 1 pound center cut mahi mahi, cut into two ounce portions
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup sweetened, shredded coconut
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
- 8 tablespoons light mayo
- 8 teaspoons lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ½ teaspoon sirracha
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- 8 mini brioche buns or any kind of mini bun or roll
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Set a cookie cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl whisk egg whites until frothy.
- On a large plate, mix panko, coconut and ½ teaspoon salt. Season with a little bit of freshly cracked black pepper.
- Season fish portions with salt and pepper. Coat in egg mixture, making sure excess drips off, and then coat in coconut mixture, patting off any excess breading.
- Place filets on cooking rack and back until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- While fish is cooking, mix together remaining salt, mayo, lime juice, cumin, garlic and sirracha.
- Toss mango and avocado together, season with a little bit of salt and pepper.
- Slather buns with lime mayo, place filet on top and top with a little bit of diced mango and avocado.
Ashley says
I love the coconut / panko coating you have going on here! And with mango and avocado …. so good. I seriously can’t get enough of either of them right now! We were out of town visiting family this weekend and my brain is not functioning very well at the moment … I just want to crawl back into bed!
Nicole says
It’s now the end of Tuesday and I’d STILL like to crawl back into bed!! Thanks girly!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Can’t go wrong with coconut crusted. This looks so good, I could eat at least 4.
Nicole says
Nope!!! Thanks Norma!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Yeah, about these sliders… I need them in my mouth. These look so dang fresh. Love! Girl, go get you some Pinot Grigio. You deserve it.
Nicole says
Hahaha yessss! Thank you Jennie!
Isadora @ she likes food says
These look so fresh and light! I’ve never coated anything with coconut before, I usually just use bread crumbs, but I love the idea. I’ll have to try that next time! I also love the avocado and mango. Now you’ve got me craving these sliders and a glass of wine 🙂
Nicole says
You definitely have to try it! Let me know if you do! I hope you got that glass of vino.:)
cheri says
What a great combination! This is my kind of food.
Nicole says
Thanks Cheri!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
OK YUM! We love luvvvvv fish burgers and coconut and avocado. Basically, I found found my fulfillment on a bun.
Nicole says
There’s something about a fish burger that just makes me feel like I’m on the beach! I can’t get enough! Thanks Erin!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
These are absolutely stunning!! Im all over these fresh spring flavors!
Nicole says
Thank you so much Megan!!
Alaina {Fabtastic Eats} says
As I sit here sipping my Pinot..cheers girl.
I love these sliders! What a genius combo.. coconut shrimp are one of my favorites, but I can’t say that I’ve ever tried grouper? Either way, love all the components of these! I’m all about the coconut!
Nicole says
That’s my girl!! Gotta have our wine. 🙂 I love grouper, it’s almost like a sea bass, super flaky! Thanks chic!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Nicole you are always blowing my mind with your flavor combinations. Forget Pompano Joe’s, I’m coming to your house.
Nicole says
Yes please!!! If only you actually COULD come over to my house! Ohhhhhh the fun we’d have 🙂 Thanks Karen!
Mademoiselle Gourmande says
These look so unbelievably good. I love the mango with it!
Nicole says
Thank you!!!