Description
15-Minute Blackened Mahi Mahi is a fast, flavorful seafood dinner with bold Cajun seasoning and a crispy crust. This easy skillet recipe delivers perfectly flaky fillets with smoky spices and is ideal for busy nights or special meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 oz each), fresh or thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or salsa
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry. Rub olive oil over both sides of each fillet.
- Generously coat the fillets with the spice mix, pressing it in gently to adhere.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and place fillets in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 137–140°F and fish flakes easily.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and desired sides.
Notes
- Use a hot pan to properly blacken the spices and form a crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes as an alternative method.
- To grill, cook fillets 4–5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Pair with rice, salsa, or veggie sides for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Blackened Mahi Mahi, 15-Minute Mahi Mahi, Mahi Fish Dinner, Spicy Fish Recipe, Cajun Fish Fillets