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
- 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
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
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
JamieW says
Great recipe, my husband and I loved the fish and the coleslaw! Turned out perfect the first time I made it. Will be a steady repeat in my kitchen now.
Jessica Gavin says
Yay! Thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the mahi mahi recipe.
john says
Whenever mahi-mahi is available fresh at the store, I swoop up a few pounds. Recently I was craving this fish and as soon as I found the recipe, I didn’t wait for a sec! It’s flavorful and they complement each other perfectly. But for a twist, I used pure organic ghee in place of olive oil for an even healthier option. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!I also loved how fast and easy this was to make, especially being a parent trying to make my toddlers dinner at the same time.
Jessica Gavin says
The ghee sounds delicious with the fish! I have some so that I will try it next time. I am thrilled that you found this recipe easy to prepare. I know what it’s like cooking for the entire family!
Danette says
Amazing! So good and easy. My husband said it was restaurant quality.
Jessica Gavin says
Great job, Danette!
Julie says
My husband came home with a ton of Mahi from a fishing trip. I always struggle with finding tasty recipes and just never enjoy what he catches. This recipe was fantastic. We felt like we were dining out! Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Julie! You should try my bora bora-inspired mahi mahi with a vanilla sauce. It’s so good!
Allison H says
This sounds delicious and I’m eager to try it with my family of 4. Other than the slaw, what do you recommend serving with this? My kids usually have good appetites but aren’t huge fans of slaw (it’s the texture for them). We’ll encourage them to try the slaw, and chances are good they’ll surprise me and love it, but what else would compliment this in case they’re still hungry? Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
Since it’s summer my family has been enjoying grilled corn and zucchini. My kids also love steamed broccoli. I also have a coconut rice that would be yummy with the mahi mahi or a tropical fruit salad.
Angela C says
This was DELICIOUS! My kids love fish – but aren’t lemon fans and it is so hard to find a fish recipe without lemon!! I even got them to eat the cole slaw 🙂 I love your recipes – thank you for sharing!
Jessica Gavin says
That’s amazing, Angela! So happy to hear that the whole family enjoyed the mahi mahi recipe.
Casey says
Will this get the same amount of crisp to it if not being done in a cast iron skillet? Should I just broil instead?
Jessica Gavin says
The direct contact of the fish in the pan will give the best crispiness, but it can definitely be broiled and achieved a delicious crust. Let me know if you try it!
Margaret says
This takes Mahi to a whole new level…..Absolutely delicious and a huge hit! Never eat Mahi at a restaurant again when this home “Chef” now has the recipe. Thanks!!!
Jessica Gavin says
Great job, Chef Margaret!
Anajai Summers says
I made this tonight and the family really enjoyed it! Thank you for this wonderful recipe ? it was nice to have something other than fish tacos, which is usually my go to when I find Mahi Mahi!
Jessica Gavin says
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the Mahi mahi recipe! I bought some this week too to make it.
Jamie says
This is now one our staple family recipes. It is a favorite, my 6yo son will ask for it 3 times a week.
Jessica Gavin says
So great to hear that the mahi mahi is a recipe the whole family is enjoying!
Mykaila Smith says
This recipe is AMAZING! It’s flavorful and they complement each other perfectly. I also loved how fast and easy this was to make, especially being a parent trying to make my toddlers dinner at the same time. This recipe is being added to my weekly rotation of favorite dinners. My husband loved it too!!
Jessica Gavin says
I’m so thrilled that the whole family enjoyed the recipe, and that you like making it too!
Casey S says
I was looking for a fast and easy mahi-mahi recipe and this was it. I’ve never had the fish before and wanted to try it. I already love any sort of slaw mix so this was a hit. I added a bit of fresh squeezed orange juice from a small orange to the dressing as the lime juice on its own was a bit sour d’or my boyfriend but I think it was a great addition.
Jessica Gavin says
I love that you added some orange juice to the dressing to balance the tart lime. Great job!
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!