Recipes

Hawaiian Fish with Tropical Marinade

Posted by Niel Neethling on 2 September 2025

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 10 min

Nothing says tropical escape like a plate of Hawaiian fish, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours. This simple recipe brings the spirit of the islands to your kitchen with a quick marinade that transforms fresh fish into a juicy, delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s all about letting quality ingredients shine.

The Heart of Hawaiian Fish

Hawaiian fish recipes are all about fresh ingredients and bold, balanced flavours. Using fish like ahi tuna or mahi-mahi, paired with tropical notes from pineapple and ginger, this dish captures the essence of island cuisine. It’s simple yet packed with taste, making every bite feel like a mini holiday.

Crafting the Perfect Marinade

A great fish marinade is the key to this Hawaiian fish recipe. It’s a mix of sweet, savoury, and tangy that soaks into the fish, making it tender and full of flavour. With ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, and our fresh ginger and garlic, you’ll create a marinade that’s pure island magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what to gather for this easy, budget-friendly recipe, using Fave Produce’s fresh imports for the best results:

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp sesame oil

For the Fish:

4 fish fillets (ahi tuna or mahi-mahi, about 150g each)

How to Make Hawaiian Fish

Follow these steps to bring this Hawaiian fish recipe to life:

Prep the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, and sesame oil.
Marinate: Place the fish in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, ensuring the fish is well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, flipping once halfway through.
Cook: Preheat a grill or frying pan to medium-high heat. Remove fish from the marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until opaque and it flakes easily with a fork.
Rest and Serve: Let the fish rest for 2 minutes to lock in juices, then serve hot.

Serving Ideas

Plate your Hawaiian fish on a colourful dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a fresh pineapple salsa for a true island vibe. Add a simple green salad with a citrus dressing to balance the savoury marinade. These sides make the meal feel like a tropical getaway.

Tips and Variations

Want to mix it up? Try salmon or yellowtail for a different flavour. For an extra twist, top with sliced avocado or toasted macadamia nuts. Feeling inspired by an ahi poke bowl? Cube the marinated fish, toss with the marinade for 15 minutes, and serve raw over rice with veggies. Always use fresh fish for the best taste, and don’t skip the resting step—it keeps the fish juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian fish recipe is a quick, flavour-packed way to bring island vibes to your table. The marinade, with our fresh ginger and garlic, makes every bite burst with tropical taste. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. For more island-inspired dishes, check out faveproduce.com/recipes/.