Cajun Mahi Mahi

This Cajun Mahi Mahi recipe is the perfect blend of bold spices and buttery pan-seared flavor. Quick, easy, and bursting with zesty lemon and smoky Cajun seasoning, it’s the ideal healthy dinner to spice up your weeknight meal routine.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Mahi Mahi Recipe

This Cajun Mahi Mahi recipe hits all the right notes: bold, buttery, citrusy, and perfectly spiced. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. The Mahi Mahi fillets are lightly pan-seared until golden and flaky, then finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for balance.

It’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, high in protein, and full of vibrant Cajun flavor—without being overwhelming. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new dinner idea, this dish delivers.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Meal prep lunches

• Light but flavorful meals

• Impressing guests without stress

Ingredient Breakdown

4 (6–8 oz) Mahi Mahi Fillets

Mahi Mahi is a mild, firm white fish that holds up beautifully to searing and bold spices. It’s lean, flaky, and quick-cooking.

Tip: Fresh or frozen fillets work. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.

2 Tbsp Butter + 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

This combo creates a rich base for pan-searing and helps brown the fish without burning.

Olive oil raises the smoke point, and butter adds flavor.

1 Lemon (Juiced)

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the spices and butter.

1 ½ Tsp Onion Powder & 1 ½ Tsp Garlic Powder

These aromatics build a flavorful base and give the Cajun profile its signature depth.

1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

Adds smoky undertones and that vibrant red hue. You can sub with regular paprika, but smoked adds more complexity.

1 Tsp Each: Dried Thyme & Dried Oregano

These earthy herbs balance out the heat and bring a classic Southern flair to the seasoning.

1 Tsp Salt & 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper

Essential seasoning that enhances the flavor of the fish and spices.

1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Adds a kick! You can reduce or increase this based on your heat preference.

Optional: If serving kids or spice-sensitive guests, start with 1/4 tsp.

How to Make Cajun Mahi Mahi

Step 1: Mix the Cajun Seasoning

• In a small bowl, combine:

• 1½ tsp onion powder

• 1½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Step 2: Prep the Fish

• Pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• Generously season both sides of the fillets with the Cajun spice mix.

Tip: Press the seasoning gently into the fillets to help it stick.

Step 3: Sear the Fillets

• Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the fillets.

• Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon

• Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the cooked fillets while still in the pan.

• Let it sizzle for a few seconds, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

What to Serve With Cajun Mahi Mahi

This bold fish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Try:

• Garlic herb rice or lemon butter rice

• Roasted asparagus or green beans

• Cajun roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Mixed greens or a cucumber tomato salad

• Cornbread or crusty bread for soaking up the juices

Tips for Success

Use a hot pan. You want a good sear, so don’t crowd the pan and make sure the oil is hot.

Don’t overcook. Mahi Mahi dries out if overcooked. Look for the flesh to turn opaque and flake easily.

Pat dry first. Removing excess moisture ensures a crisp, golden crust.

Add lemon at the end. Don’t cook it into the fish—fresh lemon at the end keeps it vibrant.

Make extra seasoning. Double or triple the Cajun mix and store it for chicken, shrimp, or veggies!

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of oil or cover loosely and microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute.

• Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture of cooked fish can change once frozen and reheated.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter and oil ensures a rich flavor and golden crust without burning. The homemade Cajun seasoning brings heat, herbiness, and smoky depth that perfectly complements the mild fish. Lemon juice brightens it up and ties everything together.

It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof—exactly what a busy home cook needs.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Cajun Mahi Mahi

This Cajun Mahi Mahi recipe is the perfect blend of bold spices and buttery pan-seared flavor. Quick, easy, and bursting with zesty lemon and smoky Cajun seasoning, it’s the ideal healthy dinner to spice up your weeknight meal routine.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• 4 (6–8 oz) Mahi Mahi fillets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl.
2. Pat Mahi Mahi fillets dry. Season both sides with the spice blend.
3. Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add fish and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

330

Fat

18 g

Sat. Fat

7 g

Carbs

3 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

0 g

Protein

36 g

Sodium

850 mg

Cholesterol

105 mg

Net carbs

0 g

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