Blackened Mahi Mahi (15 Minute Recipe)

Name: Blackened Mahi Mahi (15 Minute Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: seafood
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 (6 to 8 ounce) mahi mahi filets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon salted butter; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced; 2 lime wedges

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This Blackened Mahi Mahi is pan seared in the skillet and only takes 15 minutes to make. It's coated in a flavorful blackened spice blend and finished off with a citrus infused butter. Pair it with this Mango Salsa and Coconut Jasmine Rice and you'll feel like you're on island time.

Two plates of rice topped with mahi mahi and lime aioli.

This is one of my favorite fish recipes, especially when it's drizzled with lime aioli. It's light, healthy, and grilled in the pan for a quick and easy dinner idea.

I love pairing this fish with avocado and fresh citrus, like lemon, limes or even this pineapple pico de gallo. This mahi mahi recipe is amazing on tacos or a sandwich too. It has just the right amount of heat and flavor.

If you love quick seafood recipes, try this Chili Lime Glazed Salmon, Shrimp Scampi without Wine, Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer, and Argentine Red Shrimp too.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Ingredients:
Substitutions and Variations:
How to Make Blackened Mahi Mahi:
Expert Tips:
Recipe FAQs:
More Dinner Recipes You Will Love:
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Quick. The prep time for this recipe is just a few minutes and it cooks really fast in the skillet.
Easy. Mahi Mahi is an easy fish to cook. The biggest thing is to use a meat thermometer, so it doesn't overcook and become rubbery.
Cheaper to Make at Home. It can be pricey to eat Mahi Mahi at a restaurant, so make it at home instead. Depending on the season, it can be pretty inexpensive at the grocery store. I only paid $9.99/ lb for this wild caught mahi mahi, which feeds two people.
Healthy. This fish is high in protein, low in calories, and high in vitamins, like potassium and vitamin B.

For more healthy dinner recipes, try these Couscous Stuffed Peppers, Teriyaki Beef Bowls and Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Ingredients:

Mahi Mahi: A mild tasting fish, that is pink when raw, but turns white when cooked. It doesn't have a strong fishy taste and is fantastic paired with citrus and spices.

Blackened Seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper and sea salt create the spice blend for this fish. It has hints of garlic, smokiness and heat. Try pairing this Blackened Mahi Mahi with this Charred Corn, which uses the same spice blend.

Olive Oil: Used to cook the mahi mahi in the skillet. Olive Oil has a high burning point, which allows us to use a high heat to cook the fish without burning the oil. It still burns a bit, but it doesn't give off a bitter taste like butter would.

Butter and Lime Juice: Salted butter is melted in a skillet and combined with fresh lime juice to pour over the fish before serving to add flavors. I highly recommend using Kerrigold Irish butter for a richer taste.

Cilantro and Lime Wedges: To garnish the fish for serving and they bring in some really fresh flavors.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions and Variations:

If you like spicy, feel free to double or triple up the cayenne pepper. Another option is topping the fish with this Chipotle Mayo.

For a smokier taste, use smoked paprika instead of regular or sweet paprika.

If you prefer lemon flavor, the lime juice can easily be substituted with lemon juice. Fresh squeeze it versus using an imitation bottle, for the best flavors.

Pair this fish with Pineapple Pico de Gallo for an amazing match up!

How to Make Blackened Mahi Mahi:

Blackened seasoning coated on mahi mahi.

Step 1: Pat the Mahi Mahi dry with a paper towel and carefully remove the fish skin, if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper and sea salt. Rub the spices over fish on both front and back, completely covering every surface.

Step 2: Into a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Place the mahi mahi into the skillet. Note: It should sizzle. If it doesn't, increase the heat a little more. Cook for 4 minutes.

Step 3: Flip the mahi mahi to the other side and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Check the internal temperature. Cover with lid and cook for 2 minute increments, if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Remove the fish to a plate.

Step 4: In a separate pan, melt the butter and pour in fresh lime juice.

Brushing melted butter and lime juice on fish.

Step 5: Brush the citrus butter over the mahi mahi.

Step 6: Sprinkle with cilantro and top with a fresh lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips:

Pat dry the mahi mahi with paper towels to remove any wetness before seasoning for a better stick.
I recommend a Stainless Steel Skillet if you have one. These pans are great for searing and distribute the heat well.
To avoid under or overcooking, use an internal thermometer to check the temperature. Remove it from the skillet between 140-145 degrees.

For more Summer inspired recipes, try this Pancetta Pea Pasta, Strawberry Pecan Salad and Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken.

Recipe FAQs:

What is blackened seasoning made of?

Blackened seasoning is a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper and sea salt. It has hints of smokiness with a bit of heat and a lot of flavor! It's fantastic for meat and fish and vegetables.

Why is my mahi mahi rubbery?

This happens when the fish is overcooked. You want to pull the mahi mahi off the skillet onto a plate at 145 degrees to avoid a rubbery texture.

How to Store leftover fish:

Allow the fish to cool to room temperature after cooking. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Reheat Mahi Mahi?

Fish, like Mahi Mahi, can be reheated, it's just really easy to dry it out. I recommend adding the mahi mahi to a skillet with a lid and cooking with a tablespoon of butter over medium low heat for just a few minutes. It can also be wrapped in tin foil and placed on a cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 7-8 minutes until warm. The foil seems to keep some of the moisture in the fish.

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If you tried this Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

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