Pan-seared mahi mahi recipe coated with a blend of savory and sweet spices. Each fillet is served with a crunchy and refreshing honey lime coleslaw.
I was doing a little brainstorming for quick and easy dishes and I dreamed up something I know you ‘re going to love. I’ve taken one of my most popular fish tacos and added some extra crunch. This mahi mahi recipe with honey-lime coleslaw is a flavorful explosion!
All the magic is in the spice rub, and I want to let you in on my tasty secrets. Just promise me that you’ll share! Mahi Mahi is one of my favorite fish to cook because it has a very neutral flavor, heartier texture and takes on any flavors so effortlessly.
I break out my trusty cast iron skillet for a quick pan sear of the spiced fillets. I love how I get a little bit of caramelization on the surface from just a tiny bit of brown sugar and dry spices that sizzle on the hot pan.
These fillets cook quick depending on the thickness, so once it’s nice and flaky, it’s done. I am all about blackened dry rub seasoning. I keep my spice cabinet fully stocked with a variety of spices. It’s the best way to add a ridiculous amount of healthy flavor.
I’ve coated these gorgeous fillets with a mixture of smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, a touch of brown sugar, garlic and onion powders, oregano, black pepper, and salt. A bit of sweet, savory and smoky, oh yeah.
All of the earthy flavors from the mahi-mahi calls for a refreshing salad. Just a few chops with your knife and it’s ready in minutes. I’ve mixed the crunchiest vegetables I could find, bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots. All of those colorful vegetables get tossed in a simple honey-lime dressing. Cool, crisp and satisfying.
Whenever mahi-mahi is available fresh at the store, I swoop up a few pounds. I’ve also used frozen fillets many times and just defrost the day before, or run it under cool water in the sealed package for a few minutes right before cooking.
I like to have this fish on hand whenever I’m craving my mahi-mahi with Tahitian vanilla sauce. If you haven’t tried that recipe yet, it’s a must, don’t wait for a second longer!
My blackened mahi-mahi fish tacos have been a hit with my incredible readers, so I knew that I needed to take those flavors and create a new dish to give you an even healthier option. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!
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How do I properly store spices and herbs?
Make sure to store your spices and herbs as far away from intense heat sources like ovens and stoves. The heat will speed up flavor loss and may cause caking. Keep spices away from direct sunlight, or you will notice dulling of color and loss of flavor. Keep those containers tightly closed and use dry measuring spoons to prevent adding moisture to the jar. Your spices will typically have an optimal flavor for about 6 to 9 months after opening, so try to do an annual check for appearance and aroma. Toss out and get new spices when needed, so your dishes have maximum flavor! (Source: Tampico Spice)
Mahi Mahi with Crunchy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon cumin, ground
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 pound Mahi Mahi fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Coleslaw
Instructions
Mahi Mahi
- Combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, chili pepper, black pepper, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add fish to the pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
- Transfer cooked fish to a clean plate.
Coleslaw
- Add cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and onions in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl whisk together dressing ingredients; 2 tablespoons lime juice, lime zest, honey, and garlic.
- Slowly add 2 tablespoons olive oil and whisk until combined.
- Whisk in cilantro. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add dressing to vegetables and toss to combine.
Equipment
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Christina says
I’ve made your salad from scratch before, but tonight I was going to use the dressing with a bag of coleslaw mix to save a couple of minutes. I accidentally bought a mix called Super Blend, made of kale, carrots, Brussel sprouts, and some other crunchy veggies. I poured the dressing over this super blend and it was fantastic! Tonight’s fish was great as always too. Thanks for creating such a fast, yummy, and healthy recipe!
Jessica Gavin says
What a great way to improvise! I love a good healthy coleslaw mix.
Jane says
This had my husband BEGGING for more and he was very upset that there was not left overs for lunch the next day. It was amazing!!!!
We have had it three times in the last two weeks!
Jessica Gavin says
Wow, I’m so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the mahi mahi recipe!
Aaron says
What an awesome recipe!!! Looking for lean and green meals and this was a home run… I will try it with a chicken breast!!!
Thank you so very much
Aaron
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback, Aaron! Sounds yummy with chicken too. Let me know how it goes!
Robb S. says
I didn’t make the coleslaw, but the fish recipe was brilliant. I added 1/2 tsp of MSG to the seasoning. MSG is the king of flavor.
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for your feedback, Robb!
Barb S says
This was delicious and easy to make. My hubby, who is a meat and potato kinda guy, said we needed to add this fish and slaw to the regular rotation. I followed the mahi mahi portion of the recipe exactly. For the slaw, I had to use a package of pre-shredded slaw mix because it was what I had on hand. Based on another review I added a little diced jalapeno and a small handful of chopped roasted almonds. I followed the directions for the dressing as written. The fish and slaw complemented each other beautifully. Definitely making this again. Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
Wow, I love how you improvised on the slaw. It sounds delicious! Thrilled to hear that your husband enjoyed the mahi mahi.
Amanda says
I love the slaw in this! I didn’t have purple cabbage so I just doubled green. I would say I might add a little more brown sugar and a little less cumin next time for the spice mix on the fish. Cumin always overtakes taste in my opinion. Lol.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback, Amanda! Definitely adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Monica says
Thank you so much for the excellent dinner! I felt like a chef tonight. I don’t think a seafood restaurant could have done any better! No leftovers!
Jessica Gavin says
You rocked it, Monica! So proud of you!