Succulent, mouthwatering and full of zesty flavors, blackened mahi mahi is sure to become one of your family's favorite meals. Bold blackening seasoning adds just the right amount of heat to this unbelievably scrumptious dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Blackened mahi mahi is a surprisingly easy weeknight dinner! You can grill, bake, air fry, fry battered for chips, or bake blackened mahi mahi fillets to perfection in usually 10 minutes or less.
What is Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is a dolphin fish fairly common to various tropical regions of the ocean. The name 'Mahi mahi' is Hawaiian in origin, meaning 'very strong'. The double 'mahi' is used to signify a greater intensity of strength.
While called 'dolphin fish', Mahi mahi are not related to dolphins at all, but they swim along side boats the same way dolphins do. The term 'dolphin fish' is behavioral, not genus.
No dolphins were harmed in the making of this post (grin)!
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Ingredients
You can use fresh or frozen mahi mahi fillets when making this recipe.
For the Blackened Mahi Mahi
- Mahi Mahi filets - Look for uniform size mahi fillets, about 6 oz each.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning blend - Try our Louisiana Cajun Seasoning, or your favorite store bought brand. Tony Chachere and Zatarains's Blackening seasoning are other good choices.
- Olive oil - To lightly brush on the raw mahi fillets.
- Lemon - Cut in wedges to serve as garnish.
- Tartar Sauce - Optional, try our Easy Keto Tartar Sauce.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Blackened Mahi Mahi
You'll love how quick and easy this blackened mahi mahi recipe is prepare. From start to finish, you can serve this at your table in less than 10 minutes using defrosted mahi mahi.
Rinse and Pat Dry the Mahi Mahi Filets
- Prepare the Louisiana Cajun Seasoning and set it aside about 1 tablespoon in a small bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 375 F, and set a cooling rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
- Pat mahi fillets dry with paper towels.
- Lightly brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Season the Mahi Mahi Fillets
- Sprinkle the Louisiana Cajun seasoning or your store brand of Cajun or Creole seasoning on both sides of the mahi mahi fillets.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Oven Bake Mahi Mahi
- Place each fillet on the cooling rack that is inside the rimmed baking sheet. This allows the hot air to get underneath the fillets and prevents wet undersides or the mahi fillets sticking to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. To test for doneness, insert the tines of a fork into the thick part of one fillet. Gently twist the fork. If done, the fish will flake easily.
If you are using frozen fillets, reduce the oven temperature to 375 F and bake the blackened mahi mahi fillets for 18 to 20 minutes.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
This blackened mahi mahi recipe is packed with flavor and can be prepared in about 10 minutes. Blackened mahi mahi is healthy, economical, and a super simple meal.
Serve with a tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a Caesar Salad, our Walmart Broccoli Crunch Salad, or with our Air Fryer Hush Puppies for a meal your guests or family will enjoy.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Substitutions and Variations
Blackened Mahi Mahi is a perfect fish to bake or broil with blackening seasoning. If you love blackened fish preparation, than you have to try a few variations:
- Blackened Snapper - Use the Blackened Mahi Mahi recipe to prepare the red or yellowtail snapper fillets. Bake for about 6 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Blackened Scallops - Pat the scallops dry, brush lightly with some olive oil, and roll in a plate with the blackening Cajun seasoning. Broil at 400 F for 2 - 3 minutes. Blackened scallops are done when they are opaque in the center and golden brown on the outside. They should be firm but buttery, but not tough.
- Blackened Salmon - Use the Blackened Mahi Mahi recipe to prepare salmon fillets. Bake blackened salmon fillets at 400 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes for 6-ounce fillets. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this recipe for blackened mahi mahi or other variety of blackened fish.
Storage
Store leftover blackened mahi mahi in covered plastic or glass storage containers for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Tips for Success
- Pat the fillets dry before brushing lightly with some olive oil. This will let the blackening seasoning stick, and prevent sticking to the pan while baking.
- Don't overcook the mahi mahi fillets! Test for doneness at 8 minutes and remove from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical Louisiana style blackening seasoning is a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, some cayenne, salt, black pepper, crushed basil, oregano, and crushed thyme. Blackening is more herb centered than Cajun blends, and less herbal than Creole blends. Many of the same spices are in all three blends, and can often be used interchangeably.
Cajun seasoning blends are rooted in Louisiana and consist of a base of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked or regular paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Several other dried herbs and spices such as crushed thyme and basil are often combined added also. See our recipe for Louisiana Cajun Seasoning.
Blackened seasoning is also rooted in Louisiana but adds crushed oregano, thyme, and basil, as well as a much lighter measure of cayenne and black pepper. Blackening seasoning is less hot than Cajun, and also has less salt. Both Cajun and Blackening season can be used interchangeably. See our recipe for Blackening seasoning.
Yes, but allow for 20 minutes of baking time at 375 F instead of 8 minutes at 400 F.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz Mahi Mahi fillets
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Blackening Seasoning any brand, low salt
- lemon wedges for garnish
- tartar sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Louisiana Cajun Seasoning and set it aside about 1 tablespoon in a small bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 375 F, and set a cooling rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
- Pat mahi filets dry with paper towels.4 6 oz Mahi Mahi fillets
- Lightly brush both sides of each filet with olive oil.1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Sprinkle the Louisiana Cajun seasoning or your store brand of Cajun or Creole seasoning on both sides of the mahi mahi filets.1 tablespoon Blackening Seasoning
- Place each filet on the cooling rack that is inside the rimmed baking sheet. This allows the hot air to get underneath the filets and prevents wet undersides or the mahi filets sticking to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. To test for doneness, insert the tines of a fork into the thick part of one fillet. Gently twist the fork. If done, the fish will flake easily.Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.lemon wedges, tartar sauce
Notes
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- FOR FROZEN FILLETS - If you are baking frozen fillets, reduce the oven temperature to 375 F and bake the blackened mahi mahi fillets for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Pat the fillets dry before brushing lightly with some olive oil. This will let the blackening seasoning stick, and prevent sticking to the pan while baking.
-
- Don't overcook the mahi mahi fillets! Test for doneness at 8 minutes and remove from the oven.
Nutrition
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