The crust is the best part, and it only forms if you leave the fish alone in the pan to sear. Press the seasoning in, set the fillets in a hot pan, and do not touch them for about four minutes before flipping. You can bake it in the oven too, but the stovetop is what makes that dark, smoky crust.

What our readers are saying about this recipe

This recipe is so delicious! I baked it for dinner and my husband loved it!  Thank you for such an easy recipe! 

Ivette

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Mahi mahi with a blackened crust on a plate. this recipe

What makes this blackened mahi mahi work

The seasoning does it all. We mix our own cajun-style blend: garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Mahi mahi also holds together better than a softer white fish like cod. It takes a hard sear and flips in one piece instead of breaking apart in the pan. Between that and the short cook time, this has become an easy fish dinner recipe for our family.

We left the cayenne optional, so you can choose your own spice level. Leave it in our out, or you could sprinkle some on at the table.

Angled image of two pieces of blackened mahi mahi on a plate. The piece in the front is in focus while the other piece is blurry in the background.

What we learned recipe testing

  • Pat the fish dry: Wet fillets splatter and you lose the seasonings in the pan instead of forming a crust on the fish. Pat the fish dry before seasoning.
  • Oven option: We prefer pan-seared, but you can do it in the oven. Season the fillets and bake at 400°F for 14 to 16 minutes. You give up some of the crust, but it still comes out well.
  • Knowing when it is done: When the fish turns opaque and flakes with a fork, which is usually 2-5 minutes after the flip depending on thickness.
  • A squeeze of lemon: Optional, but a fresh squeeze of lemon at the end balances out the smoky flavor really well.
Overhead shot of a bowl with rice, one piece of blackened mahi mahi and a mango slaw on top.

What to serve with it

We spoon it over rice or cauliflower rice, then add a crisp coleslaw, which doubles as the topping if you use the leftovers in tacos. A pan of garlicky sautéed mushrooms and asparagus is a good side to add with some starch as well.

Similar flavor, different meal

If the cajun, blackened flavor is what you are after, we have a few other seafood dinners in our library. Our blackened shrimp puts the same kind of rub on a faster-cooking protein, our one-pan cajun shrimp turns it into a full skillet meal, and our air fryer fish tacos give you another cooking option for taco night.

Close up shot of blackened mahi mahi in a bowl over rice and topped with mango slaw.
5 from 23 ratings
Get the Recipe:

Blackened Mahi Mahi (Easy 15-Minute Recipe)

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
A homemade cajun-style rub goes onto mahi mahi fillets, then they cook in a hot skillet until a dark, blackened crust forms on each side. The fish stays moist inside and dinner is on the table in about 15 minutes. Serve it over rice, alongside vegetables, or flaked into fish tacos.
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Ingredients

  • 4 mahi mahi fillets
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil, (or butter or ghee)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

For the cajun seasoning mix:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • Cayenne, to taste, (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the cajun seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
    1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground pepper, Cayenne, to taste
  • Pat fish dry with a paper towel. Season filets liberally with the seasoning mixture, patting it in to the fish.
    4 mahi mahi fillets
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil to the pan. Once hot, add fish to pan and let cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a crust forms on the underside.
    2 tbsp avocado oil
  • Flip and continue to cook undisturbed until fish is opaque and cooked through (another 2-5 minutes, depending on the size of fillets).
  • Remove from heat and serve. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over fish.
    1 lemon, cut into wedges

Last Step:

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Notes

  • Nutrition estimates are per serving and an estimate provided for reader benefit.  See our full nutrition information disclosure here.  
Calories: 212kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Fiber: 0.5g
Course: Main Course
Author: Erica Winn
Cuisine: Cajun
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
Vertical collage with text overlay in the middle. Top image is an angled shot of one piece of blackened mahi mahi on a plate. Bottom image is an overhead close up shot of a piece of mahi mahi.
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