How to Blacken Mahi
Mahi mahi is a mid-size game fish found throughout the waters of the southern Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea and off the coast of Central and South America. Also known as dolphin fish the mahi mahi swims at speeds up to 50 knots and is caught for both its uniquely colored appearance and as an industrial food source. Paul Proudhomme is credited with inventing the blackened cooking method in his New Orleans restaurant KPaul's. Chef Prudhomme primarily prepares blackened redfish but has general recipes which can be applied to nearly any fish. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 Thick-sliced Mahi Mahi fillets
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Ground white pepper
- Large mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet
- Butter
- Clean dish
Instructions
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Prepare your spice mixture for application to the mahi mahi according to your taste preference. Most blackening season recipes contain the same basic ingredients. Use one teaspoon of each spice for your first attempt and adjust the recipe to suit your preference as you learn the taste and effects of each ingredient. Blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, salt and white pepper in a large mixing bowl.
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2
Rub each side of your mahi mahi fillets with butter and dip them into the blackening spice mixture bowl. Cover both sides of the fish completely with spice and place the fillets onto a clean dish.
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3
Heat your cast iron skillet on a high flame until it is extremely hot (about 600 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the mahi mahi fillets onto your heated skillet and cook for about four minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the pan using your spatula and serve hot.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a spatula to carefully flip your mahi mahi fillets. The fish is delicate and becomes even more so as it cooks. Methods other than spatulas may cause the fish to break up and fall apart.
Mahi mahi has been known to contain the organic poison ciguatoxin.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Stockbyte/Getty Images
