Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe

User Reviews

5

18 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    149 kcal

  • Cuisine

    American

Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe

The Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe features tender mahi mahi filets coated generously with a homemade Cajun blackened seasoning. The fish is seared in butter in a cast-iron skillet to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the interior moist and flaky. The bold spice blend of paprika, garlic, onion powders, and cayenne brings a balanced heat and aromatic depth that complements the mild fish. This method results in a distinctive smoked crust with vibrant seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of mahi mahi, suitable for a straightforward main dish served with simple garnishes like lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Description

Blackened Mahi Mahi involves seasoning 1-pound filet portions with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, dried basil, oregano, and optional salt for a robust Cajun flavor profile. The fish is then seared in butter over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet to create a crisp, charred exterior. This cooking approach provides a contrast between the spicy crust and the flaky, moist fish inside. The blackened seasoning mixture is both aromatic and slightly spicy without overwhelming the fish's natural taste.

The cooking process involves careful timing to ensure doneness without drying out the fish. The recipe suggests 4-5 minutes on one side and 3-4 minutes after flipping. The optional lemon wedges and fresh parsley garnish lighten the dish and add freshness. This makes it easy to prepare with simple ingredients, focusing on technique to achieve the desired blackened crust and tender flaky texture.

The recipe notes highlight the advantage of using a cast-iron skillet to achieve a rich, crispy sear essential for proper blackening. Additionally, choosing or adjusting seasoning blends can tailor the spice level and salt content to personal preferences or brand variations.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound mahi mahi
  • 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (see recipe below)
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon salt optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil, salted
  • lemon optional, wedges
  • parsley optional, fresh

Cajun Blackened Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt optional

Instructions

  1. If making the homemade blackened seasoning: Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl or the glass jar you'll be storing it in.
  2. Cut the mahi mahi into 4 equal-sized filets and pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
  3. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning and salt, if seasoning does not already include it, over the filets and rub it into the fish.
  4. Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Wait for at least 1 minute so butter is heated through. Add the mahi mahi to the skillet, skin side-up, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip the filets over and continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes or until cooked through.
  5. Serve blackened mahi mahi with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Using a cast-iron skillet is important to get the classic crispy char on the mahi mahi.
  • If using a premade Cajun blackened seasoning, adjust salt and spice levels based on the brand's strength and your taste.
  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the spices stick and promote even searing.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 149kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 99mg (33%) Sodium 1251mg (52%) Potassium 474mg (10%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 389IU (8%) Calcium 19mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 149 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 149kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 99mg 33%
Sodium 1251mg 52%
Potassium 474mg 10%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 389IU 8%
Calcium 19mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

18 reviews
Excellent

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