Blackened mahi-mahi with mango avocado salsa is a delightful fusion of spicy fish and invigorating fruit. The mahi-mahi is coated with a vibrant spice blend and cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Paired with a bright salsa made from diced mango, avocado, and zesty lime, this dish offers a balance of heat and freshness. Ideal for any seafood lover, this recipe invites further exploration of its culinary possibilities.
Ingredients for Blackened Mahi-Mahi
Blackened Mahi-Mahi is a flavorful and spicy dish that showcases the rich, meaty texture of mahi-mahi fish. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and a robust flavor profile. Ideal for seafood lovers or anyone looking to bring a taste of the Southwest to their dining table, it can be served with a side of rice, vegetables, or a vibrant salad.
With a preparation time of approximately 15 minutes and a cooking time of around 10 minutes, this recipe is both quick and satisfying, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients for Blackened Mahi-Mahi:
- 2 mahi-mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the mahi-mahi fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the fillets and rub them evenly on both sides. Generously coat each fillet with the spice blend, pressing it onto the fish to guarantee adherence.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to get very hot before adding the fish.
- Cook the Fish: Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the coated mahi-mahi fillets in the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on one side until a blackened crust forms. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the fillets from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.
Variations and Tips:
- Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend according to your heat preference.
- Herb Twists: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil for added flavor.
- Oven Finish: For an alternative cooking method, sear the fish in the skillet and then transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking thoroughly.
- Side Pairing: Consider serving with a mango salsa or a cooling yogurt sauce to balance the spice.
Enjoy this delicious Blackened Mahi-Mahi recipe that is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds!
Preparing the Blackened Seasoning
Blackened Mahi-Mahi is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for seafood lovers looking to elevate their dining experience. This dish features the robust and smoky blackened seasoning that adds depth and character to the mild fish. Ideal for family dinners or a casual gathering with friends, it can be prepared in around 15 minutes.
Get ready to impress with your culinary skills and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cooking Steps:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed, ensuring there are no clumps.
- Once combined, transfer the blackened seasoning to an airtight container if you’re not using it immediately, or use it right away on your Mahi-Mahi fillets.
Variations and Tips:
- To customize the spice level, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- This blackened seasoning can also be used with other proteins such as chicken or shrimp.
- For an even bolder flavor, consider marinating the Mahi-Mahi in a mixture of lemon juice and a tablespoon of the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- When cooking, use a cast-iron skillet for a more authentic blackening effect, and heat it until it’s very hot before adding the fish for that perfect crust.
- Serve your blackened Mahi-Mahi with a side of coleslaw or a revitalizing salad to balance out the spicy flavors.
Cooking the Mahi-Mahi
Blackened Mahi-Mahi is a flavorful and vibrant dish often enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious meal, as it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. The fish is coated with a spicy blackened seasoning and cooked at high heat to create a crispy crust while remaining moist and flaky inside. This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 Mahi-Mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the Mahi-Mahi fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the fillets, then generously sprinkle the seasoning blend, pressing it onto the fish to guarantee it adheres well.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan over high heat. Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes until it’s very hot, but not smoking.
- Cook the Mahi-Mahi: Carefully add the seasoned fillets to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is blackened and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Variations and Tips:
- Cooking Method: For a healthier option, consider grilling the Mahi-Mahi instead of pan-searing. Preheat your grill and cook for similar time frames.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with sides like rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the texture.
Enjoy your delicious Blackened Mahi-Mahi!
Making the Mango Avocado Salsa
Mango Avocado Salsa is a vibrant and fresh accompaniment that adds a burst of flavor and color to your Blackened Mahi-Mahi dish. This salsa is perfect for seafood lovers and is ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a healthy snack.
With a prep time of just 10-15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your meal while being nutritious and packed with fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mango and avocado.
- Add the finely chopped red onion and diced red bell pepper to the bowl.
- If you’re using jalapeño, add it now for that extra kick.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the ingredients in the bowl, followed by the olive oil.
- Gently fold the ingredients together to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Variations and Tips:
- For a zesty twist, try adding diced tomatoes or pineapple to the salsa.
- If you prefer a milder version, omit the jalapeño or replace it with a bell pepper.
- This salsa pairs well not only with blackened mahi-mahi but also with tortilla chips or grilled chicken.
- To keep the avocado from browning, serve the salsa immediately after preparation or store it in an airtight container with a layer of lime juice on top.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences; a little extra lime juice or a pinch of cumin can enhance the flavor profile.
Plating Your Dish
Blackened mahi-mahi is a delightful and flavorful dish that showcases tender fish coated in a spicy, smoky seasoning. With its vibrant presentation, this dish is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or enjoying a special weeknight meal.
Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those who want a gourmet experience without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 mahi-mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional sides: sautéed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad
Cooking Steps:
- Begin by making sure your mahi-mahi fillets are fully thawed and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning adhere better and create a beautiful crust.
- Generously coat each side of the fillets with blackening seasoning, pressing gently to make it stick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and the butter is melted, carefully add the seasoned mahi-mahi fillets to the skillet.
- Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a dark crust and are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Remove from heat.
- To plate, place the blackened mahi-mahi fillet on a pre-warmed plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as sautéed veggies, flavored rice, or a crisp salad.
Variations and Tips:
- For a tangy twist, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fish just before serving.
- If you prefer a milder seasoning, adjust the amount of blackening spices according to your taste.
- Experiment with different types of fish, such as salmon or snapper, using the same seasoning and cooking method.
- Consider adding color by serving the fish atop a bed of colorful vegetables or drizzling with a zesty sauce, like a garlic aioli or mango salsa.
- To elevate your plating, use a ring mold for the rice or vegetables, stacking them neatly beside the fish.
Enjoy your beautifully plated blackened mahi-mahi, a dish that’s sure to impress both visually and in flavor!
Tips for Serving and Pairing
Blackened Mahi-Mahi is a flavor-packed dish that highlights the bold spices of the Creole cuisine, perfect for seafood lovers looking for a hearty yet wholesome meal. The cooking method creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside.
This dish is ideal for a casual dinner with friends or a special family gathering. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes for cooking, making it a quick yet impressive option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 Mahi-Mahi fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Cooking Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening spice blend.
- Pat the Mahi-Mahi fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a better sear.
- Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil, then generously coat both sides with the blackening spice blend, pressing it into the fish to guarantee adherence.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. You may add a bit more oil if needed, but the fish will sear nicely in oil.
- Carefully place the seasoned Mahi-Mahi fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing.
- Serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Variations and Tips:
- For a different twist, you can substitute Mahi-Mahi with other firm white fish like tilapia or snapper.
- Pair your blackened Mahi-Mahi with sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a revitalizing mango salsa to complement the spices.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix.
- For an added touch, serve the fish on a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Consider pairing your dish with a chilled white wine or a cold lager to balance the bold flavors of the blackened Mahi-Mahi.
