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Perfectly seared blackened mahi-mahi topped with vibrant pineapple salsa, served on a white plate

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
Cook Time 10 minutes
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.
    A glass bowl filled with diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro, ready to be mixed into a vibrant pineapple salsa
  • 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.
    A wooden bowl filled with a variety of colorful spices, including paprika, black pepper, dried herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes, ready to season a dish.
  • 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.
    Close-up of fresh mahi mahi fillets in a pan, coated with a blend of spices and seasonings, ready for cooking
  • 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.
    Grilled blackened mahi mahi fillet with crispy skin, served with a vibrant pineapple salsa on a white plate

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
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