Blackened mahi mahi is one of the best ways to cook fresh fish at home. A hot skillet creates a dark crust on the outside while the inside stays moist and flaky. This easy fish dinner is packed with flavor and cooks in about 10 minutes.
Quick Look: Blackened Mahi Mahi
- What it is: A firm white fish coated in Cajun seasoning and seared until smoky and flaky.
- Why Make THIS Version? A quick 15-minute skillet dinner with a crisp, bold crust and a tender, flaky center.
- Key Ingredients: Mahi mahi, Cajun blackened seasoning, butter, oil, and lemon.
- Calories per Serving: 361.1 kcal
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Pairs Well With: a lemon wedge, white rice, mango salsa, or vegetables.
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Gulf Coast Dolphin
We picked up a few pounds of fresh mahi mahi caught offshore in the Gulf early this morning. Around the docks and fish markets, many locals still call it dolphin, while most restaurants use the name mahi mahi.
Fresh mahi has a mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well in a hot skillet. It's excellent blackened with Cajun seasoning, but just as good with simple salt, pepper, and butter.
For a hands-off oven dinner, try sheet-pan mahi mahi with roasted broccoli and dill sauce.
What is Blackened Fish?
Blackening is a cooking method popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fish is coated with seasoning, then cooked in butter in a very hot skillet until the outside forms a dark crust.
The cooked fish is dark in color until you cut it open to expose large flakes of one of the best-tasting fish you've ever had. The butter and high heat create the dark crust.
Blackened seasoning is made with:
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper (adds the heat)
- Black pepper
- Coarse or kosher salt
The seasoning blend forms a spicy crust while the inside of the fish stays moist and flaky. Read the full post and recipe for homemade blackened seasoning.
Florida Mahi Mahi
In the Florida Keys, mahi mahi is one of the most popular fish on local restaurant menus and at fish markets. It's served grilled, blackened, fried for fish sandwiches, or piled into fresh fish tacos with slaw and sauce.
The fillets are thick, mild, and easy to cook, making them a favorite for seafood restaurants.
In Key West, you'll see mahi mahi served with white rice, fresh vegetables, mango salsa, or crispy Cuban tostones.
Looking for more ways to prepare this fish? Browse easy mahi mahi dinner recipes for inspiration.
Is Blackened Seasoning Spicy?
Blackened seasoning is usually spicy, but not overly hot. The blend includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and a little cayenne pepper for heat.
The spice level depends on how much cayenne is added. Some blackened fish recipes are smoky and savory with just a little kick, while others are much hotter.
The cayenne pepper adds the kick. If you don't like spicy food, leave it out or add a pinch.
Ingredients
Pick up a bottle of blackened seasoning at your seafood market.
- Skinless mahi mahi fillets (figure 6- 8 ounces per person)
- Cajun blackened seasoning
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
See recipe card below for quantities.
How to Blacken Mahi Mahi
Step 1: If frozen, thaw the mahi mahi completely. Pat it dry and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Brush the fish with melted butter.
Step 3: Turn on the range hood before heating the skillet. Coat both sides of the fish with blackened seasoning. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, then add the vegetable oil.
Step 4: Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until a dark crust forms. Serve with lemon wedges.
Top Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust and even cooking.
- Don't move the fish too early, or the blackened crust may stick to the pan.
- Open a window or turn on the vent fan because blackening can create smoke.
- Let the fish rest for a minute before serving so the juices stay in the fillets.
Sides for Blackened Mahi Mahi
Cajun-flavored mahi mahi pairs well with rice, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. In the Florida Keys, it's often served with tropical sides like mango pico de gallo or crispy fried plantains.
For another easy meal, bread the mahi with panko to make fried fish tacos and serve with shredded cabbage and creamy taco sauce.
Here are some easy recipes you can try:
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftover mahi mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or enjoy cold over a mixed garden salad.
Leftover mahi mahi is also great served cold over salads or flaked into leftover fish tacos or fish omelets.
What Else Can I Blacken?
Blackened seasoning is great for more than just fish. The bold spice blend works well on all kinds of meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Grouper also holds up well to blackening; try this easy blackened grouper recipe with Cajun seasoning.
Try using it on chicken, swordfish, and shrimp. You can even sprinkle it on roasted cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots before they go in the oven.
Blackened Mahi FAQ
Blackened mahi mahi has a smoky, savory flavor with mild heat from the seasoning. The fish itself is mild and slightly sweet.
Yes. Mahi mahi is one of the best fish for blackening because the fillets are firm and hold together well in a hot skillet.
Yes. Brush the fillets lightly with oil, coat both sides with blackened seasoning, and grill over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use a clean, lightly oiled grate or a grill basket to help keep the fish from sticking. Cook until the fish reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
Mahi mahi is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Most mahi mahi sold at grocery stores and fish markets is already skinless. If your fish has skin attached, you can cook it with the skin on and remove it after cooking if preferred.
More Easy Fish Recipes
If you enjoy easy seafood dinners, here are some more easy recipes you can try:
- Pan-Seared Snapper Fillets
- Pan-Fried Mahi Mahi
- Seared Tripletail with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Crispy Fried Tuna Steak
- Lobster Salad
Visit Blackened Fish Recipes for more seafood recipes with bold Cajun flavor.
If you tried this Blackened Mahi Mahi recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments.
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Equipment
- Heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Paper towels
- Silicone pastry brush
- Fish spatula or thin spatula
- Instant-read thermometer (optional, for checking donenessInstant-read thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless mahi mahi fillets (figure 6-8 ounces per person)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Instructions
- If frozen, thaw the mahi mahi completely and pat dry with paper towels.
- Let the fish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Brush the fish lightly with melted butter, then coat both sides with blackened seasoning.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed stainless-steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Turn on the vent fan before adding the fish.
- Add the vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
- Place the fish in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a dark crust forms.
- The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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