Published: Feb 26, 2024 · Last Updated: Feb 27, 2024 by Dr. Sonali Ruder · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases · 31 Comments

Mahi Mahi Tacos

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These Caribbean-inspired mahi mahi tacos feature a delicious blend of blackened fish, sweet mango chutney, zesty lime crema, and a crunchy slaw- all wrapped up in warm tortillas. These fish tacos are fast, fresh and nutritious- get them on the table in under 30 minutes!

Three mahi mahi tacos surrounded by cilantro and a bowl of mango salsa.

We're big fans of tacos in my house. Whether you're looking for fish tacos with pineapple salsa, vegan jackfruit tacos, or hearty braised pork tacos, I make them all! If you're looking for the best mahi mahi tacos, look no further.

These flavorful mahi mahi tacos were inspired by a memorable trip to Turks and Caicos that my husband Pete and I took many years ago. The highlight of our trip was enjoying the most delicious fish tacos at a charming seaside restaurant called Hemingway’s just down the beach from our hotel.

Pieces of fresh, grilled fish were served in soft, warm tortillas. Instead of the usual salsa that accompanies traditional Mexican tacos, these Caribbean-style tacos were served with a sweet mango chutney and a dollop of tangy sour cream that perfectly balanced the savory fish.

Now you can indulge in a taste of the tropics with these delicious blackened mahi mahi tacos. I've made a few changes of my own to take these tacos to the next level.

First, I season the fish with dried spices for maximum flavor and sear it in a pan. Then I wrap the blackened fish in warm tortillas with sweet mango chutney, tangy cilantro lime crema, and a crunchy cabbage slaw. For even more flavor, you can also top these mahi mahi fish tacos with my delicious mango salsa.

These fresh tacos have a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that your whole family will love. Whether you're craving a light and healthy dinner or hosting a festive taco Tuesday night with friends, this mahi mahi tacos recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Jump to:

What is Mahi Mahi?
Why You'll Love This Dish:
Ingredients
How to Make Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos Step-By-Step
Chef's Tips:
What To Serve with This Dish
More Tasty Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a species of fish found in warm waters around the world. It's known for its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor. It shares the flakiness of halibut while also boasting a dense texture reminiscent of swordfish.

Mahi mahi is a versatile fish and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Its firm yet flakey texture holds up well to grilling, baking, broiling, and pan-searing. Try my grilled mahi mahi with mango salsa.

Want to know how mahi stacks up to salmon when it comes to flavor, nutrition, and cooking methods? Read my post Mahi Mahi vs. Salmon: What You Need To Know.

Why You'll Love This Dish:

Fresh Flavors: this delicious dinner features blackened mahi mahi paired with zesty lime crema and crunchy cabbage slaw.
Quick and Easy: Easy to make with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes- perfect for busy weeknights.
Light and Nutritious: Mahi mahi is a lean fish rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike baja fish tacos, which are battered and deep fried, these healthy fish tacos are seared in a pan or grilled.
Customizable: Personalize your tacos with your favorite toppings, from mango salsa to creamy guacamole.
Family-friendly- these mahi mahi tacos are a family favorite and are a go-to option for taco nights.

Fish really is brain food! It's packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are especially important for brain health and heart health. Our bodies don’t make omega-3s so we must get them from our diet.

Ingredients

Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.

Mahi mahi fillets- mahi mahi has a firm, meaty texture and mild flavor; you can substitute other fish like halibut, snapper, cod, grouper or swordfish
Dried spices- I use a combination of chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt; you can use other seasonings like cayenne pepper, thyme, blackening seasoning or taco seasoning.
Sour cream- forms the base of the cilantro lime crema; you can substitute Greek yogurt. Learn about the health benefits of Greek yogurt.
Lime- use fresh lime juice in the crema and also to squeeze on top of the tacos
Cilantro- adds bright flavor to the crema
Cabbage- you can use green or red cabbage or bagged coleslaw mix to make the crunchy slaw
Mango chutney- I use store-bought mango chutney
Tortillas- you can use small corn or flour tortillas
Mango salsa (optional)- you can also top the tacos with my colorful mango salsa

How to Make Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos Step-By-Step

See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.

Step 1- Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with a paper towel, then season them with the spice rub.
Step 2- Heat olive oil in a hot nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You can also use a stove top grill pan or cook the fish on an outdoor grill. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Step 3- Prepare the cilantro lime crema by blending sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth in a mini food processor or blender until smooth.
Step 4- Toss shredded cabbage with some of the crema.

Assemble the tacos with warm tortillas, mango chutney, blackened mahi mahi, cabbage slaw, and optional mango salsa. Drizzle extra cilantro lime crema on top. Serve tacos with lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

Chef's Tips:

I use my own blend of dried spices to make a blackening seasoning for the fish. You can also try my salmon seasoning or use a premade blackening seasoning or taco seasoning.
Mahi mahi only needs a few minutes to cook so keep an eye on it- overcooking it will dry it out.
I like to warm my tortillas before assembling the tacos. You can toss the tortillas on a hot grill or grill pan or place them directly on a gas stove flame to get a little char. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave.
Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings such as pickled onions, avocado slices or crumbly cotija cheese. I like to serve them with my colorful mango salsa.
Leftover mahi mahi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use the leftovers in sandwiches, wraps or burrito bowls.

What To Serve with This Dish

Serve these mahi mahi fish tacos with cilantro sprigs and fresh lime wedges for squeezing on top. I serve extra cilantro lime crema in a bowl on the side and everyone can drizzle on sauce as they like.

You can serve the tacos with my colorful mango salsa to spoon on top. You can also try my grilled pineapple salsa or strawberry jalapeño salsa. My game day guacamole or pico de gallo are more options.

You can serve your mahi mahi tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, air fryer Mexican street corn, or oven-roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also try my elote (Mexican street corn) dip.

Don't forget to wash it all down with a cold cerveza, a classic margarita, or a glass of my refreshing watermelon agua fresca!