Blackened Mahi Mahi

My loves when I make this delicious seafood recipe. The delicious blackened seasoning takes our favorite white fish to the next level. The best part is that we made the blackened seasoning from scratch so we can adjust for flavor.

Make sure to check out the Blackened Tilapia Recipe for another easy weeknight dinner idea and easy low carb recipes.

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi Mahi is known as the dolphin fish. It is mild in flavor and has a soft texture. The options are endless on the spices that can be added to this delicious fish.

This recipe is prepared in a skillet but you can also make grilled mahi mahi or if you have one make Blackstone Blackened Mahi Mahi. Add your favorite side dish for a complete meal idea.

Ingredients

• Fresh Mahi Mahi Filets – Remove skin if not already done
• Avocado Oil – Use any oil that you prefer
• Onion Powder – See Best Onion Powder Substitutes
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Cayenne Pepper – See Best Cayenne Pepper Substitute if you are out

Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

There are many different spice blend that work great with this blackened fish recipe. Here are some additions or substitutes spices that you must try.

• Dried Thyme
• Cajun Seasoning
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl which includes garlic powder onion powder. Place the mahi mahi fillets on a plate.  

Step 2 – Rub 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil onto both sides of the fillets.

Step 3 – Then spoon the seasoning blend over the mahi mahi and spread it around. Make sure to season both sides of the fish.  I use approximately ½ tablespoon per fillet.

Step 4 – Heat the remaining avocado oil over medium high heat in a cast iron skillet. Place the mahi mahi fillets on the hot cast iron skillet on top of the oil.  Let them cook for 2 minutes.  Time them and do not move the fish during this cooking day so that the fish will get blackened.

• Step 5 – Then flip the mahi mahi fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mahi mahi reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The mahi mahi should flakes easily.
• Step 6 – Remove the mahi mahi from the pan and allow it to sit for 5 minutes on a paper towel.  Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Meat Thermometer – Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the mahi mahi is cooked to a safe temperature before removing it from the grill.  The fish should flakes with a fork when finished cooking.
• Oil – You can use any oil with a high smoke point for this recipe instead of avocado oil.  Vegetable oil, Canola oil and Coconut oil would all work great for this recipe.  
• Adding Seasoning Mix – After combining the ingredients, make sure to season both sides of the mahi mahi. This helps to give this fish amazing flavor.
• Skillet – We recommend using a cast iron skillet in this recipe. It helps give the fish amazing texture while keep the center soft and tender.

Serving Suggestions

This blackened mahi mahi is delicious with many different side dish recipes. We love to serve it with a side of white rice topped with, cilantro, mango salsa and fresh lemon juice or lime wedges.

We have even diced up the fish fillets and made mahi-mahi tacos topped in corn tortillas. Fish tacos are a family favorite and even better made with this blackened mahi mahi.

Feel free to also use this blackened seasoning with other types of fish such as snapper or grouper.