My Fail-Proof Blackened Mahi Mahi (Super Flakey and Tender)

This blackened mahi mahi recipe combines tender mahi mahi fillets with a bold blackened seasoning mix. Each filet is broiled until flaky and buttery on the inside with a crispy crust and explosive flavor on the outside. The best part? You can have this restaurant-quality meal ready and on the table in only 15 minutes!

MY TAKE ON BLACKENED MAHI MAHI

If you've been wondering how to cook mahi mahi and have it turn out tender and flaky yet full of flavor, this recipe is for you.

Mahi mahi has an unfortunate reputation for being a bit "boring," but this recipe makes it turn out super flavorful.

Couple that with the fact that it's so quick and easy to make - only three steps are required to make it - and you've got yourself the perfect fish dinner recipe. I'm not gonna lie, at our house this blackened fish recipe has quickly become a family staple because it's so good. We even occasionally make some blackened fish tacos with this recipe as the base for the fish.

Joe Tip (like "pro tip" but better): This is just one version of homemade Cajun seasoning, but there's plenty of wiggle room to modify some of the ingredients.

For instance, if you only have smoked paprika, you can use that instead of regular paprika. Likewise, if you like your blackened fish more on the spicy side, you can add a little cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili powder. Since we have young kids at home we usually keep our seasoning on the mild side.

INGREDIENTS

Another thing I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Considering that most of the ingredients are spices, you really only need to run to the store for fresh fish fillets. Everything else you should have on hand!

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make this blackened mahi mahi recipe:

• 2 mahi mahi fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pretty simple stuff, right?!

By the way, if you're looking for more equally delicious (and easy) blackened seafood recipes, definitely check out my blackened salmon next. It uses a slightly different spice blend, but the results are equally as flavorful.

HOW TO MALE BLACKENED MAHI MAHI

Now that we've gone over the ingredients, let's go over the steps/process you'll need to follow to make the recipe.

Again, as far as easy fish recipes go, this one is at the top of my list. You basically just season the fish fillets, broil them, and serve. It's literally that easy.

So with that said, let's stop wasting time and get to cooking!

STEP ONE: PREP WORK

You'll want to first preheat the oven using its broiler setting.

Then, pat dry the fish fillets with paper towels so they are extra crispy on the outside. Once the fish is dry, brush it with olive oil or avocado oil.

Next, grab a small bowl and mix the spice blend together.

Generously coat both sides of each fillet with the spice blend, and gently press the spices into the fish so it sticks to the meat.

 

STEP TWO: BROIL THE FISH

Now that the fish is fully prepared and ready to go, transfer it to a baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Place the dish in the oven and let it broil for 8-10 minutes or until the top of the fish is blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Once fully cooked, you can remove the fish from the oven and let them rest on the counter for several minutes.

STEP THREE: SERVE

Finally, once the mahi mahi is fully cooked and has cooled, you can eat it as is or make fish tacos with it.

For what it's worth, if you go the taco route, I like to serve mine on tortillas with a little mango salsa and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

That said, there are no wrong answers, and you can have your blackened mahi mahi however you like—it's sure to taste incredible!

HOW TO STORE THIS BLACKENED MAHI MAHI RECIPE

This recipe makes 2 servings, which is the perfect amount for a light dinner for two or a quick lunch. That said, it's pretty easy to make a double batch with little to no added prep time...we usually go this route because both of our kids devour the fish.

Either way, if you do end up with any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

If you want to keep the leftover mahi mahi for longer, you can also freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE

The best way I've found to reheat leftover mahi mahi is to reheat it on the stovetop!

To reheat your mahi mahi, just put it in a large skillet over medium high heat and warm it for a few minutes - stirring often - until it's fully reheated.

Alternatively, you can also reheat it the same way you cooked it - in the broiler. Just transfer everything to a baking dish and broil for 3-4 minutes or until warm.

FAQS ABOUT THIS BLACKENED MAHI MAHI RECIPE

DO YOU EAT THE DARK PART OF MAHI MAHI?

Yes, the dark part of mahi mahi is perfectly safe to eat. That said, the flavor is stronger, and some people prefer to trim that part off. It's entirely up to you and is sure to taste great either way.

WHAT SIDES GO BEST WITH MAHI MAHI?

There are no limits to what you can serve with blackened mahi mahi. Some of my favorite sides are cauliflower mashed potatoes, bok choy, high protein mac and cheese, or air fryer baked sweet potatoes.

WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD MAHI MAHI BE COOKED AT?

Mahi mahi should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for it to be safe to eat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Well, that's how to make blackened mahi mahi!

I may be biased, but I really think this is the best recipe for blackened mahi mahi you're going to find. Not only is it such an easy recipe with minimal prep time, but the flavor is next-level good. Plus, it's so versatile and able to be enjoyed in so many different ways.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this mahi mahi recipe as much as I/we do.

As always, if you give this recipe a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

MORE FISH RECIPES

If you're looking for more delicious fish recipes, I have a bunch of quick and easy ones on the blog you can try next.

Check all of these out:

• Baked catfish
• How to cook salmon
• Healthy tuna fish salad
• Grilled halibut
• Grilled tilapia

Oh, and if you're looking for even more tasty recipes, be sure to check out my Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube channel! I post new ones on them all of the time.