Blackened Mahi Mahi {EASY & BEST}

Name: Blackened Mahi Mahi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 filets mahi Mahi; 2 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 Lemon wedges (for serving); 1 Fresh parsley (chopped (optional garnish))

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Have you ever tried blackened mahi mahi? This easy recipe is a winner and can quickly become your favorite. It's perfect for a light and delicious dinner or even a special lunch. The spice-coated mahi mahi tastes fabulous and gives the fish a beautiful charred look.

blackened mahi mahi served over rice with lemon slices as garnish

Why You'll Love This Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe?

Homemade Seasoning Blends: This blackened mahi mahi is made with a flavorful seasoning blend. The good part is that you can adjust these to suit your taste(similar to this salmon curry ).
Quick and Easy: Just right for busy evenings when you crave a delicious dinner with minimal work(same as this honey sriracha shrimp or this Hawaiian spicy garlic shrimp).
Versatility in Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer to grill, bake, or pan-sear, this blackened mahi mahi tastes delicious.
Accessible Ingredients: The ingredients required for this recipe can be easily found in your pantry or at any local grocery store.

The Ingredients

Mahi Mahi Fillets: Mahi Mahi is a firm fish with a mild taste and a meaty texture, making it the perfect choice for this dish.
Paprika: This spice adds a smoky taste and bright red color to the blackened mahi mahi. If you want a mild flavor, sweet paprika is a good alternative.
Cayenne Pepper adds heat to the spice blend. Adjust the quantity of cayenne based on your heat tolerance.
Garlic Powder: Provides a savory and robust flavor. It complements the other spices in the blend and enhances the overall taste.
Onion Powder: For a subtle sweetness and a depth of flavor.
Dried Thyme and Dried Oregano: These herbs have special mentions that make this blackened mahi mahi extra delicious.
Olive Oil: I have used olive oil. Feel free to use vegetable or canola oil.
Lemon Wedges: Lemon juice enhances flavor & balances richness/spice in blackened mahi mahi.
Fresh Parsley (optional garnish): Fresh parsley adds a contrasting finishing look and freshness; cilantro or chives are delicious alternatives, too.

How To Make Blackened Mahi Mahi?

marinated blackened mahi mahi placed mahi mahi

Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry and blend the spice onto both sides.

fyring blackened mahi mahi over the skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fillets on each side for 4-5 minutes until blackened and flaky. Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve with salad or rice.

blackened mahi mahi served with rice, lemon, and sliced cherry tomatoes

What to Serve with?

Rice: Choose from white, brown, or flavored varieties like lemon-cilantro rice. The fluffy texture and mild taste of rice will nicely balance the bold flavors of the blackened fish.
Potatoes: Roasted, mashed, or spicy, potatoes are comforting. These spicy roasted sweet potatoes deserve special mention.
Mango salsa: The fresh and fruity taste of mango salsa(or this spicy mango sauce) pairs beautifully with blackened mahi mahi.
Fresh salads: Choose from options like Greek salad or heirloom tomato salad.
Green beans or steamed broccoli: These simple sides provide an excellent, mild taste to accompany the blackened Mahi Mahi.
Cole slaw: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, Cole slaw is a refreshing side dish that complements the spiciness of blackened mahi mahi(see our Cajun coleslaw or jalapeno coleslaw for inspiration).

Meal Prepping Tip

Prepare the spice blend. Pat dry the mahi mahi and rub the spice blend on it. Refrigerate for two days or freeze for a longer duration.

fried blackened-mahi-mahi- in the iron skillet

Variations

Enhance the Spiciness: Add more cayenne pepper to the spice mix for the hot version!
Taste the citrusy: Incorporate lime juice and zest into the spice rub to add citrus flavors to the dish for a refreshing twist!
Grilled: If you want a smoky flavor, grill the Mahi Mahi fillets instead of cooking them in a skillet.
Make it tropical: Add pineapple or papaya to the mango salsa for a refreshing and vibrant tropical twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blackening spice blend?

It's a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. It adds a flavorful and spicy kick to the mahi mahi.

Can I use a different type of fish instead of mahi mahi?

You can use other fish varieties like snapper, cod, salmon, or grouper.

How do I know when the mahi mahi is cooked?

The fillets are cooked when they become blackened on the outside and easily flake apart with a fork inside. The cooking time is typically around 4-5 minutes per side, but it may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Can I make an extra blackening spice blend and store it later?

Absolutely! Later, you can make a larger quantity for other dishes like blackened grilled chicken or shrimp.

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