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Blackened Mahi Mahi

Spice up your seafood with our blackened Mahi Mahi recipe. A filet of fish topped with our homemade Cajun seasoning then cooked to perfection!

Are you craving a spicy seafood dinner? Well, my friend, then look no further.

Our blackened Mahi Mahi recipe features a meaty fish filet seasoned with Kim’s custom Cajun spice mix.

The spices add a ton of heat and flavor to an already delicious piece of fish.

The blackened mahi mahi served with fresh lemon wedges.

It should be noted that this recipe is very spicy. In fact, it was a little too spicy for me.

If that concerns you, then consider omitting the cayenne pepper and reducing the black pepper in the Cajun seasoning mix.

If this recipe sounds too spicy, you may want to try our oven baked mahi mahi, sheet pan salmon, maple Dijon salmon or baked cod with panko.

Top-down view of the blackened Mahi Mahi.

How to make Cajun seasoning?

First, grab a small bowl and a whisk. Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the bowl.

Last, use your whisk to combine the ingredients. The spice mix can be stored in a sealed container, in your cabinet for up to 3-months.

Our homemade Cajun seasoning in a bowl.

How to make blackened Mahi Mahi?

Once you have the Cajun seasoning ready, it’s time to make the blackened Mahi Mahi. Start by patting the fish filet(s) dry with a paper towel. After that, sprinkle the seasoning onto the fish.

The raw fish topped with Cajun spices.

Be sure to sprinkle both sides of the meat and rub the seasonings into the filet(s).

Now, heat a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add the butter and oil to the pan and use a whisk or wooden spoon to combine the fats.

Four Mahi Mahi filets cooking in a skillet.

Afterward, place the Mahi Mahi into the pan. Let it cook for about 6-minutes on each side or until the fish is fully cooked through.

When it’s done, turn off the heat and serve the meat while it’s hot. That’s it, your blackened Mahi Mahi recipe is done! Kim and I hope you enjoy the dish 🙂

The fish has been cooked and plated.

What side dishes go with this recipe?

Any of these sides will pair nicely with the spicy fish.

A blackened Mahi Mahi filet on a square plate.

Blackened Mahi Mahi

4.5 from 52 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1 pound mahi mahi fillets
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, thyme, pepper, and cayenne.
    2 teaspoons garlic powder
    1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
    1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon oregano
    1 teaspoon kosher salt
    1 teaspoon thyme
    ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pat the fish filets dry with a paper towel, and sprinkle both sides with the Cajun seasoning mix. Rub the seasoning into the fish, and ensure the fish is evenly coated.
    1 pound mahi mahi fillets
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Heat a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add the butter and oil and use a wooden spoon or whisk to combine. Add the fish, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An instant read thermometer should read 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the filet.
  • Remove the mahi mahi from the pan to a waiting plate. Serve hot with lemon wedges, a side salad, and rice.

Notes

*This recipe is quite spicy. To make the dish less spicy, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and consider reducing the paprika and black pepper. Paprika is not typically heavy in heat, but in large amounts, it may add “spice” to some dishes.
 
*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 4-ounces of blackened Mahi Mahi. Actual

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25pound | Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 684mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 834IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg
Recipe Rating




Karen

Wednesday 30th of March 2022

HUGE hit with my family. Mahi Mahi is one of my daughters favorite restaurant dishes, and I've never tried until this recipe. Thank you!!

Kim

Wednesday 30th of March 2022

Hi Karen!

We're so glad you and your family enjoyed the fish! It's a favorite of ours, too. Have a great evening! :)

Eileen

Wednesday 15th of December 2021

Wonderful! My husband said it was better than a fancy restaurant!