Why You’ll Love Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich Recipe
This Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich is:
• Quick — Ready in about 20 minutes with only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time.
• Flavorful — A homemade blackened spice rub adds smoky, spicy depth to firm mahi mahi.
• Fresh — Homemade dill tartar sauce brings creamy, tangy brightness that elevates the sandwich.
• Versatile — Serve with fries, chips, or coleslaw and customize toppings like avocado or pickles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sandwich
• 4 (6‑ounce) Mahi Mahi fish filets
• 2‑3 tablespoons olive oil
• Blackened seasoning spice rub
• 4 hamburger buns
• lettuce
• tomato, sliced
• red onion, sliced
• tartar sauce
• for serving: fries, chips, coleslaw, lemon wedges, pickle spears
Blackened Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tartar Sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dill relish
• 2 teaspoons shredded onion
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the blackened spice rub.
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Pat mahi mahi fillets dry and rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering.
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Add fillets to the hot pan. Cook about 4 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
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While the fish rests, mix tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready.
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Toast buns if desired. Layer bottom buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cooked mahi mahi. Spoon tartar sauce over the fish, top with the other half of the bun.
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Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
• Cook the seasoned fish in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a crispy outside with less oil.
• Swap hamburger buns for brioche buns or kaiser rolls for a richer texture.
• Add heat by incorporating cayenne into the spice rub or a drizzle of hot sauce on the sandwich.
• Skip the bun and turn this into tacos with tortillas and slaw.
• Pair with roasted potatoes instead of fries for a lighter side.
Storage/Reheating
• Refrigerator: Store cooked mahi mahi in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in an oven or air fryer at a low temperature to maintain crispiness before assembling fresh sandwiches.
FAQs
When is Mahi Mahi done?
Mahi mahi is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use frozen mahi mahi fillets?
Yes, thaw them in the fridge or cold water and pat dry before seasoning.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
Use a premade Cajun seasoning or focus on smoked paprika and black pepper for the base.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, double the recipe and cook fillets in batches; keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
How do I store leftover mahi mahi?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze leftover mahi mahi?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
How do I reheat mahi mahi?
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer at low heat to avoid drying out.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
Serve with fries, chips, coleslaw, lemon wedges, or pickles for a full meal.
Can I swap the fish for another type?
Yes, other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia works well.
Can I make the tartar sauce ahead?
Yes, prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate for best flavor.
Conclusion
This Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich delivers bold, spicy flavors and a satisfying texture with minimal time and effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with classic sides and customizable toppings. With fresh homemade tartar sauce and flaky blackened fish, it’s sure to become a go‑to recipe in your kitchen.
Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich
This Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Sandwich features perfectly seasoned, pan-seared mahi mahi fillets served on a toasted bun with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato. It’s a quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood sandwich perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets (about 4 to 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- 4 tablespoons tartar sauce
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with blackened seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and blackened on the outside.
- Toast the sandwich buns.
- Spread tartar sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a lettuce leaf and tomato slice on each bun, then top with a cooked mahi mahi fillet.
- Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade blackened seasoning.
- For extra flavor, add pickles or red onion slices.
- This sandwich pairs well with coleslaw or sweet potato fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg