Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is a bold and flavorful dish, perfect for seafood lovers.

The spice-crusted mahi mahi fillets are pan-seared to perfection, delivering a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

Serve it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

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Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is a bold and flavorful dish, perfect for seafood lovers. The spice-crusted mahi mahi fillets are pan-seared to perfection, delivering a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun, Caribbean

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Blackened Mahi Mahi:

• 4 mahi mahi fillets 6 oz each
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp  garlic powder
• 1 tsp  onion powder
• 1 tsp  dried oregano
• 1 tsp  dried thyme
• ½ tsp  cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
• ½ tsp  black pepper
• ½ tsp  salt
• ½ tsp  ground cumin

For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple diced
• ¼ cup  red bell pepper diced
• ¼ cup  red onion finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa

  In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  Squeeze in fresh lime juice and add a pinch of salt.

  Toss everything together and refrigerate while preparing the fish to allow the flavors to meld.
  
• Step 2: Season the Mahi Mahi

  In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and cumin.

  Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil or melted butter.

  Evenly coat each fillet with the blackening seasoning on both sides.
  
• Step 3: Cook the Mahi Mahi

  Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 2-3 minutes).

  Add a little oil or butter to the pan, then carefully place the seasoned fillets in the skillet.

  Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the outside is blackened and the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  
• Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  Transfer the blackened mahi mahi to a plate and top with pineapple salsa.

  Serve immediately with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.
  

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 10g

Cooking Tips:

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the pineapple salsa.
• Use fresh mahi mahi for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen fillets, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
• Grill option: Instead of pan-searing, grill the fillets over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Salsa variations: Swap pineapple for mango or papaya for a different fruity twist.

Keyword Gluten Free, Healthy food, SeafoodLovers

How About Alternative Ingredients?

If you want to switch things up while keeping the essence of this Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa, there are plenty of ingredient alternatives to explore. For the fish, salmon, tilapia, cod, or halibut are great substitutes, depending on your preference.

Salmon offers a rich, buttery taste that pairs well with the blackening spices, while cod and halibut provide a firmer texture that holds up nicely in the pan.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, firm tofu or cauliflower steaks can be seasoned with the same blackening spices and pan-seared for a delicious plant-based alternative.

For the salsa, if pineapple isn’t your thing or isn’t available, mango, papaya, or even peaches make excellent swaps. These fruits still bring a natural sweetness and slight acidity that balance the spice of the fish.

If you prefer a milder salsa, you can swap the red onion for green onions or shallots, and substitute the jalapeño with bell peppers for a no-heat version.

Instead of cilantro, fresh parsley or mint can add a unique herbal twist. You can even add diced avocado for extra creaminess. No matter the variations, these substitutions will still give you a vibrant and flavorful dish!

Summary

Blackened Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa brings bold flavors together in a way that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

The smoky heat of the blackened seasoning pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy sweetness of the salsa, creating a balanced dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion.

No matter how it’s served, this meal delivers a vibrant combination of spice and freshness that keeps things exciting.