Yuzu Mahi Ceviche by Bryan Timm

The unreal Mahi fishing continues… Find the right paddy and catch your limits. With water in the mid 70’s, an abundance of finbait on the local banks, and an incredible volume of these fish within the So Cal Bight, it seems appropriate to focus on Mahi preparation for consecutive weeks. This recipe was submitted by local fisherman and photographer Bryan Timm. His work on the water and in the kitchen is incredible. This ceviche is the perfect recipe for any angler looking to make quick use of their catch. The notes of oriental citrus provided by Yuzu along with the otherwise traditional ceviche ingredients and fresh Mahi make this a staple for your recipe book.

Prepared. Tested. Approved.

-Bryan Timm // Insta: @_bryantimm

The Catch: Mahi Mahi (Dorado)

Mahi mahi (also known as dorado or dolphinfish) are incredibly fast-growing and beautiful oceanic fish that generally inhabit tropical, warm waters. While they do visit the SoCal Bight, their appearance is never guaranteed on an annual basis. The fish is famous for their acrobatic fights and incredible coloration which can include blue, green, silver, and purple. Their prevalence as a game fish is paralleled by their versatility in the kitchen. The culinary attributes of this species are often overlooked resulting in simple table fare. Mahi mahi visit Southern California waters in the warmest months, generally arriving in late August and hanging around until the start of November. These open-water fish are stunning to see when they are lit up, often appearing electric green or blue in the water. They prefer water in the 70+ degree range and eat voraciously when they are in feeding mode.

2022 has proven to be a fantastic year for mahi fishing. The unprecedented volume of fish this year has not been seen in a significant amount of time. The biomass spans from Mexican waters all the way up through Newport Beach to the north. U.S. limits (10 fish/ person) have been caught regularly this year aboard both private boats and the sportboat fleet. San Diego mahi generally range in size from 5-25lbs; a mahi mahi over 25 lbs in SoCal waters is a trophy fish. Mahi is eaten globally and has a taste that appeals to most pallets. It has a relatively mild taste profile, although it definitely has a distinct flavor that works well with citrus.

• Location: San Diego
• Method: Flylining live sardines
• Process: Drifting offshore kelp paddies
• Serving Size: 4 – 6
• Prep Time: 10mins
• Cook Time: 1-2 hrs