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Blackened Mahi Mahi with Fresh Mango Salsa

Blackened Mahi Mahi - featured image

This easy dinner features spicy, blackened mahi mahi fillets topped with a refreshing mango salsa bursting with lime, cilantro, and red onion. It’s a quick, tropical-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 mahi mahi fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless and boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large ripe mango, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Extra lime wedges (optional garnish)
  • Thinly sliced avocado (optional garnish)
  • Additional cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels and check for stray bones.
  2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle and rub the spice blend all over the fillets.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Toss gently and adjust lime or salt to taste.
  5. Preheat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add a little olive oil and swirl to coat.
  6. Lay fillets in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip gently and cook another 2–3 minutes until fish flakes easily and has a dark crust.
  7. Transfer cooked fillets to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes.
  8. Spoon mango salsa over the mahi mahi. Garnish with lime wedges, avocado slices, and cilantro if desired.

Notes

Pat fish completely dry for the best crust. Adjust cayenne and jalapeño for spice level. Salsa can be made ahead and chilled for deeper flavor. Substitute cod, halibut, or tilapia if mahi mahi is unavailable. Grill or bake fish for alternative cooking methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: mahi mahi, blackened fish, mango salsa, easy dinner, tropical, gluten-free, healthy, seafood, skillet, summer recipe