Grilled Mahi Mahi with Blackened Seasoning
On February 18, 2025
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Coated with a blackened seasoning and grilled to perfection, this Grilled Mahi Mahi is an amazingly delicious piece of fish that is simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Grilled Mahi Mahi
If you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor and unbelievably easy to make, this Grilled Mahi Mahi is it. Each smoky, buttery bite is infused with just the right amount of heat from the blackened seasoning. The grill locks in moisture while giving the fish a perfectly crisp exterior. Pair it with a squeeze of fresh lime, a side of grilled veggies, or even flake it into tacos for a meal that tastes like a tropical getaway right in your backyard.
What is Mahi Mahi?
Mahi Mahi (also known as common dolphinfish or dorado) is a mild, white-fleshed tropical fish with a firm texture that holds up beautifully on the grill. It’s a fantastic choice for grilling because it stays juicy, doesn’t fall apart easily, and soaks up bold flavors like a champ.
How to Choose & Prep Mahi Mahi
For the best results, start with high-quality mahi mahi. Look for fillets that are firm, moist (not slimy), and have a fresh, mild ocean scent. If buying frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Before grilling, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a great sear.
Blackened Seasoning for Seafood
This mahi mahi is seasoned with my awesome Blackened Seasoning. It’s a Cajun-style seasoning with salt pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs. Check out the ingredients below, or the linked post for more info on this awesome seasoning.
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
- ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Blackened seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that complements the mild fish without overpowering it. If you prefer a milder option, try a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor.
How to Grill Mahi Mahi
Alright, let’s get to the process on grilling mahi mahi. It’s extremely easy to grill fish, and mahi mahi is no exception. Simply season, grill, and serve.
- Season. Brush the mahi mahi fillets with melted butter, then coat them evenly with the Blackened Seasoning.
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill to 425 degrees F. While it heats up, dip a paper towel in high-heat oil (like avocado oil) and use tongs to grease the grill grates. This helps prevent sticking.
- Grill. Place the seasoned mahi mahi directly on the grates and cook for 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Serve. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges. This fish pairs perfectly with rice, grilled broccoli, or a tropical salsa.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a full printable recipe.
How Long to Grill Mahi Mahi
Grilled mahi mahi takes about 10-15 minutes total to cook. For 6-ounce fillets, grill for around 6 minutes per side so they cook through evenly. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer while the fish cooks to check doneness. Fish should hit an internal temperature of 145 degrees F before you pull it off the grill. (Pro tip: ThermoPop or Thermapen Mk4 from ThermoWorks makes this easy!)
More Grilled Seafood Recipes
You can never go wrong with seafood for dinner (or lunch, or just about anytime the craving hits). From salmon to swordfish, the Hey Grill Hey App has several of grilled seafood recipes you’ll love. Here are some of my family’s favorites so you can get started:
Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
This grilled mahi mahi is easy, quick, and packed with bold flavors, so fire up the grill and enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dinner right in your own backyard.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below, snap a pic, and tag @heygrillhey on social media so I can see your masterpiece. And if you’re looking for more grilling inspiration, be sure to check out the full collection of seafood recipes on the site. Now get outside so you can make something delicious for the people you love.
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets about 6 ounces each
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons homemade blackened seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat. Preheat your grill to 425 degrees F.
- Season the mahi mahi. Brush the mahi mahi filets with the melted butter. Season the mahi mahi on all sides with the blackened seasoning.4 mahi mahi fillets, 2 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons homemade blackened seasoning
- Oil the grill grates. Fold a paper towel and pinch it with a pair of tongs. Submerge the paper towel in 2 Tablespoons of a high heat cooking oil (like avocado oil, rapeseed oil, melted ghee or melted beef tallow). The paper towel should be saturated, but not dripping Brush the oiled paper towel lightly over your grill grates.2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- Grill the mahi mahi. Place the seasoned mahi mahi filets on the oiled grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 6 minutes. Open the lid to flip the filets. Use a metal spatula and lightly lift the filets to separate them from the grates. You will only flip the fish once. Close the lid and continue to grill the mahi mahi for 6 minutes on the second side. Open the lid and check the mahi mahi for doneness. You want the filets to read 145 degrees F internal temperature.
- Serve with lemon. Carefully remove your mahi mahi filets from the grill and transfer to your serving platter. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy.1 lemon
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**I originally published this post in April 2021, but recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. However, the recipe remains the same.
