You guys! This recipe is capital DEE-licious! Dramatics aside, when I say that I really really mean it. The flavors from the seasoning and the fish do a little magic trick when you cook them together. They create a moist, flavorful hunk of fish heaven. My 9 year old daughter lets out a loud “yum” on her first bite! So when the kids love it as much as me, I know it’s a keeper!
I use frozen Mahi Mahi steaks that I buy in the freezer section at Costco but fresh would be fantastic in this recipe. Mahi Mahi is a pretty hearty fish and has a mild fish taste with a pleasant texture. It’s one of my favorite fishes. Check out my chili lime mahi mahi with mango salsa recipe HERE. That is another one of my favorite recipes.
The name “blackened” comes from the seasoning on this fish, it turns black when you cook it, so the fish is perfectly moist even though the outside is blackened. I serve my fish with “dirty” quinoa and black beans and those flavors perfectly compliment the fish. Recipe here.
What you need to make blackened mahi mahi:
serves 2
- 2 large Mahi Mahi steaks – fresh or frozen
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- dash cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups water – This depends on if your fish is fresh or frozen.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, celery salt, garlic powder and salt.
- Mix well and sprinkle over both sides of fish. You may not use all of the seasoning.
- Heat a heavy bottomed pan, like a cast iron frying pan, on medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter.
- Add fish and sear well on both sides.
- When the seasoning starts to blacken, add 1/2 cup water and let the fish simmer.
- When the water reduces flip fish and add 1/2 cup more water until fish feels cooked through. For fresh fish this will not take as long and you may only have to add 1/2 cup water total.
- When fish feels cooked or firm but not jelly-like when pressed with your finger, Let the water reduce and turn the fish in the seasoning that coats the bottom of the pan. Allow each side to get blackened and a good crust on it before removing from the heat.
- Enjoy.
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 2 large Mahi Mahi steaks fresh or frozen
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- dash cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups water - This amount depends on if your fish is fresh or frozen.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, celery salt, garlic powder and salt.
- Mix well and sprinkle over both sides of fish. You may not use all of the seasoning.
- Heat a heavy bottomed pan, like a cast iron frying pan, on medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter.
- Add fish and sear well on both sides.
- When the seasoning starts to blacken, add 1/2 cup water and let the fish simmer.
- When the water reduces flip fish and add 1/2 cup more water until fish feels cooked through. For fresh fish this will not take as long and you may only have to add 1/2 cup water total.
- When fish feels cooked or firm but not jelly-like when pressed with your finger, Let the water reduce and turn the fish in the seasoning that coats the bottom of the pan. Allow each side to get blackened and a good crust on it before removing from the heat.
- Enjoy.