Blackened mahi mahi uses an homemade blend of spices and herbs to create a slightly spicy crust on this mildly sweet fish. This recipe is great for any day of the week as it takes minimal prep work. Plus, it is on the table in less than 15 minutes!
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Mahi mahi is an incredibly popular fish because it has a wonderful flavor and is incredibly versatile. Adding on this zesty blackened seasoning makes a fantastic sweet-yet-spicy combination.
Not to mention, this tasty dish is also very healthy! There's no reason not to love this recipe.
For some side, dish ideas see my post on what to serve with mahi mahi!
If you want to learn more about this tasty white fish, check out my post all about mahi mahi.
🥘 Ingredients
You can use fresh or frozen mahi mahi fillets for this recipe. Just make sure to let your fillets completely thaw out first.
- Mahi Mahi Fillets - 1 pound of mahi mahi fillets. This could be 3 or 4 fillets that weigh roughly 4-5 ounces each.
- Paprika - 1½ teaspoons of paprika.
- Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Thyme - 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Pepper - ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Cayenne - ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (*see note).
- Basil - ¼ teaspoon of dried basil.
- Oregano - ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Butter - ¼ cup of butter that has been divided into 2 portions of 2 tablespoons each.
See my full post for blackened seasoning.
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🔪 How To Blacken Mahi Mahi
Making blackened mahi mahi is super simple. Make sure you have a cast-iron skillet and a mixing bowl.
One pound of mahi mahi is enough to feed 2 people. Grab more fillets if you are serving a larger group.
- Dry the fish. To prepare your fish, pat the 1 pound of mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels and then set them aside.
- Make the blackened seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1½ teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and ¼ teaspoon each of pepper, cayenne, basil, and oregano to make the blackening seasoning. Stir gently to combine (*see note).
- Melt butter. In a microwave-safe large mixing bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Season the fish. Next, dredge the mahi mahi fillets in the melted butter. Then season them very generously using the blackened seasoning mix.
- Heat the skillet. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon pat of butter per mahi mahi fillet into the hot skillet and allow it to melt. Place the seasoned mahi mahi directly into the melted butter.
- Cook. Cook the mahi mahi for 4 minutes, undisturbed (*see note). Flip the fish and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. The mahi mahi is done when it has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), has become opaque, and is easily flaked with a fork.
- Serve. Remove the blackened fish from the pan and serve immediately.
Serve with some lemon wedges and some lemon butter sauce. Add on a side of honey roasted acorn squash and steamed broccoli for a healthier meal. Enjoy!
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💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- This blackened seasoning is perfect for so many different meats! Try it out on chicken, lamb, shrimp, or any of your favorite meats!
- If you want your seasoning to be an extra fine consistency, you can use a spice grinder after mixing your blackened seasoning.
- For a spicier blend, add more cayenne pepper to the blackened seasoning.
- In order to ensure a crispy, blackened crust it is important to cook your fillets without moving them (other than to flip them).
- To store: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Bake your mahi mahi at 325°F (165°C) unit heated through.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Fish (or any other meat) is considered blackened when it was dredged in butter, generously seasoned with a unique spice blend, and then seared in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan.
The seasoning mix creates a very dark color, which is where the term 'blackened' comes from.
Mahi mahi is a whitefish with firm meat and a mild-yet-sweet flavor. There is no fishy flavor at all. Plus, it can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Yes! Like many fish, mahi mahi is a great source of lean protein. Additionally, it is rich in B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and selenium.
Plus, this fish is relatively low in mercury!
🐟 More Delicious Fish Recipes
- Grilled Jamaican Jerk Red Snapper - This red snapper is seasoned with a jerk seasoning to add some extra heat.
- Butter Poached Monkfish - Monkfish have an incredible similarity to lobster. Try out this recipe for a true delicacy.
- Crab Stuffed Salmon - This salmon is stuffed with a delicious crab meat mixture for the ultimate seafood dinner.
- Grilled Branzino - This classic recipe uses branzino fillets instead of a whole branzino for an extra easy meal.
- Deep Fried Catfish - For an extra comforting, southern meal check out this recipe for deep-fried catfish.
- Baked Steelhead Trout - This insanely easy seafood dish is baked in a foil pouch with a garlic butter sauce.
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📖 Recipe Card
Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lbs mahi mahi fillets (3 or 4 roughly 4 to 5-ounce mahi mahi fillets)
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup butter (divided - 2 portions of 2 tablespoons each)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- To prepare your fish, pat the 1 lbs mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels and then set them aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano to make the blackening seasoning. Stir gently to combine (*see note).
- In a microwave-safe large mixing bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of the ¼ cup butter.
- Next, dredge the mahi mahi fillets in the melted butter. Then season them very generously using the blackened seasoning mix.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon pat of butter per mahi mahi fillet into the hot skillet and allow it to melt. Place the seasoned mahi mahi directly into the melted butter.
- Cook the mahi mahi for 4 minutes, undisturbed (*see note). Flip the fish and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. The mahi mahi is done when it has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), has become opaque, and is easily flaked with a fork.
- Remove the blackened fish from the pan and serve immediately.
Notes
- This blackened seasoning is perfect for so many different meats! Try it out on chicken, lamb, shrimp, or any of your favorite meats!
- If you want your seasoning to be an extra fine consistency, you can use a spice grinder after mixing your blackened seasoning.
- For a spicier blend, add more cayenne pepper to the blackened seasoning.
- In order to ensure a crispy, blackened crust it is important to cook your fillets without moving them (other than to flip them).
- To store: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Bake your mahi mahi at 325°F (165°C) unit heated through.
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