Blackened Mahi Mahi

Learn to make the most delicious Blackened Mahi Mahi recipe on your stovetop. Just coat mahi mahi in a blackening seasoning and then cook in melted butter.

One of the tastiest and easiest ways to make fish

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, try making blackened mahi mahi, a Hawaiian dish that takes only 15 minutes to prepare. It is not only easy to blacken mahi mahi fish, but it also is a dish that is very versatie. Enjoy this simple and flavorful protein with many different sides such as rice or a salad.

This flavorful blackened fish features a perfectly seasoned crust on tender mahi mahi fillets, making it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers. With its combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, blackened mahi mahi is a perfect choice for those who want to spice up their weeknight dinners.

One of my other favorite features of this recipe is that it is perfect to enjoy in other ways throughout the week. For an easy lunch option, try using leftover blackened mahi mahi to make a tasty fish taco or sandwich.

Kitchen tools

• Mixing bowl
• Shallow dish
• Frying pan or cast iron skillet
• Pastry brush
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Kitchen thermometer

How do you blacken fish?

Blackening is a cooking technique that involves searing meat that has been coated with a spice mixture in a hot cast-iron skillet or frying pan, typically over medium to high heat.

To blacken mahi mahi, simply coat the fish with the seasoning blend and cook it in melted butter until a blackened crust forms on both sides.

Once you know how to create the spice blend, you can use it to blacken any type of fish! I like to use this blackened seasoning mix on salmon, snapper, grouper, and even flounder.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of a recipe is very important to me and this blackened mahi mahi is definitely a dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can simply serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over a bed of rice, alongside some grilled veggies, or with a summer salad.

If you are a fan of fish tacos, you need to use this recipe to make blackened mahi mahi tacos! They are the perfect summer meal.

Prepare fish as written here. Then, use a fork to break the fish into flakes. Place fish on warm corn tortillas with a mango salsa or pineapple salsa. Top the tacos with lime wedges and cilantro and serve!

Ingredients

• Mahi mahi
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Unsalted butter

Ingredient substitutions

As a versatile recipe, this blackened mahi mahi can easily be modified to suit your tastes. You can substitute the mahi mahi with another type of fish or shrimp if you prefer.

If you want to kick the spice up a notch, there is an option to do that as well. Before cooking mahi mahi, just add about 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

This blackened mahi mahi recipe is easy to make dairy free if needed. Just sub dairy-free butter for the regular butter.

Is blackening seasoning the same as cajun seasoning?

Blackening seasoning and cajun seasoning are very similar and can almost be used interchangeably. Cajun seasoning tends to be a little spicier.

If you want to save time when preparing this recipe, coat your mahi-mahi filet in a store bought cajun seasoning.

On the other hand, you can add some cayenne pepper and chili powder to the seasoning mixture listed here to create a simple homemade cajun seasoning.

How to make blackened mahi mahi

Step 1: Prepare seasoning mix and coat the fish

To start, mix the seasonings together in a small bowl. Then, pour it into a shallow dish. Pat the fish dry with paper towels.

Next, brush the fish fillets with the olive oil and press the fish into the seasoning mixture on the dish. You will want to try to get the filets as evenly coated as possible.

Step 2: Cook the fish

Now, it is time to heat a frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in the pan. Place the seasoned filets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Finish cooking and enjoy

Once the internal temperature of the fish has reached 145F, remove from the pan. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!

Storage and reheating

Once prepared, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store this blackened mahi mahi in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm this blackened mahi mahi in a frying pan or in an air fryer or oven until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it so that it remains flaky.

Check out these other fish recipes

• Miso Salmon Bites
• Air Fryer Fish Nuggets
• Lemon Pepper Salmon
• Orange Ginger Baked Salmon

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Recipe

Blackened Mahi Mahi

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review

Cook mahi mahi fillets in a simple blackening seasoning to make a delicious and tender fish

Recipe By: Madeline

Prep: 5 minutesCook: 10 minutesTotal: 15 minutes

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Servings: 3 servings 1x

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Ingredients

• 3 fillets of mahi mahi (about 6oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Mix seasonings in a small mixing bowl. Pour onto a shallow dish.
2. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush fish fillets with the olive oil and press the fish into the seasoning mixture on the dish – try to get the filets as evenly coated as possible.
3. Heat a frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in the pan.
4. Place the seasoned filets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Check for the interior temperature of the fish to reach 145F and remove from the pan.
5. Allow the fish to cool slightly and enjoy!

Notes

• to make this recipe dairy free you can use oil in place of the butter or use a dairy free butter substitute
• add extra spice to the seasoning mixture by adding a shake of cayenne pepper

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.