Easy Blackened Mahi Mahi
Blackened mahi mahi is quick to make, flavorful, and totally beginner-friendly! My homemade spice blend and cast iron skillet come together to create a flavorful, blackened crust that makes this flaky white fish shine.
Servings: 2
Calories: 87kcal
Ingredients
- 2 6–8 ounces each mahi mahi fillets fresh mahi mahi is the best choice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil high smoke point makes it ideal for blackening
- 1 lime juiced or fresh lime juice
Blackening Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Sprinkle the blackening seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the fillets. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then apply a second light coating right before cooking for an extra-flavorful crust.
- To a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil gets hot, place fish in the pan in a single layer. Cook them for 3–4 minutes without moving them until a blackened crust forms. Flip them and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Total cooking time should be about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the flaky fish rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lime juice, white rice, quinoa, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Pull the mahi mahi out of the fridge first for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure true even cooking.
- Blackening can and will create some smoke, so be sure to turn on the exhaust fan and open up the windows before starting.
- The total cooking time for the fish is about 5-7 minutes. For the best results, check for an internal temperature of 137 degrees F before removing it from the heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat it in the oven or a skillet, so it doesn’t dry out
Nutrition
Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg