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Growing up, eating fish meant that meal was coming from a blue Van de Kamp's box in the form of fish sticks. Add an occasional tuna fish sandwich to the menu, and that was the extent of the seafood that crossed my tastebuds as a kid. I'm a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to trying different types of fish in adulthood and I still lean towards more mild varieties of fish including ono, salmon and mahi mahi.

As part of the San Diego restaurant week, we indulged in the four course menu at Jake's Del Mar, a sophisticated yet laid back beachfront restaurant in the heart of ritzy Del Mar. I ventured out of my comfort zone to try the Achiote Roasted Mahi Mahi recommend by our server and immediately expanded my fish I like list to include mahi mahi. While we have yet to recreate the divine dish from Jake's, we did promptly stock up on Costco's Wild Caught Mahi Mahi fillets to start experimenting. This easy blackened mahi mahi recipe is a result of said experimenting and is a perfect dish for summertime grilling. It makes a healthy meal that's low carb and full of protein.

What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like?

Mahi mahi also known as the dorado or dolphin fish is a lean white fish, low in fat and high in protein. It is sourced from temperate, sub-tropical waters including off the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii and Costa Rica, all places I'd love to vacation and eat fish tacos! Fresh mahi mahi taste is very mild and not fishy, making it a great dish for even the pickiest of eaters. The blackening spice blend we use for this easy recipe is not overtly spicy but has a bold flavor with a hint of sweetness from a smidgen of brown sugar.

What to Serve With Blackened Mahi Mahi?

This blackened mahi-mahi pairs perfectly over a bed of lime cilantro cauliflower rice or jasmine rice. Add it to a bed of greens as a substantial protein source, topped with fresh mango salsa. Use this recipe to make delicious mahi mahi tacos paired with mango salsa, cabbage and warm corn tortillas.

While we typically grill the fish, it can also be made in the air fryer or on the stovetop using a cast iron skillet. Traditional Cajun-inspired blackened fish is made using butter and flash fried in a cast-iron skillet, but we're taking a leaner approach with this recipe without sacrificing on flavor.

Blackened Grilled Mahi Mahi

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This blackened Mahi Mahi is a high protein dish that's full of flavor. Enjoy on a bed of greens or rice or as a fish taco topped with mango salsa. A healthy, delicious summertime meal for two.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 5-7 min
Total Time: 30 minute
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

2 Mahi Mahi filets (about 4.0 oz each) fresh fish or frozen works fine

Olive oil for brushing

1 teas cumin

1 teas chili powder

1 teas brown sugar

½ teas garlic powder

½ teas oregano

½ teas sea salt

¼ teas black pepper

¼ teas smoked paprika

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Instructions

Defrost fish filets if using frozen. We love Costco's Wild Caught Mahi Mahi fillets
Combine blackened seasoning mix: cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper and smoked paprika
Lightly oil grate of grill to avoid fish sticking while cooking
Heat grill to medium heat at about 350° F
Brush the filets on both sides lightly with olive oil
Cover the filets with spice rub completely on both sides, lightly patting the rub onto the fish
As the fish cooks on the grill, watch as it just begins to flake. If filet is about 1" thick, cook fish for a total time of 5-7 min (about 2.5-3.5 minutes on each side).
Enjoy right away!

Notes

Serve over a bed of greens, cauliflower rice or jasmine rice. Top with this delicious mango salsa or even combine in taco form. The perfect summer meal to enjoy on the patio or deck.