Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos with Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa

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These Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos are made with avocado crema and jalapeño pineapple salsa are sure to be a hit! The tender fish, creamy avocado, and sweet-spicy salsa create a delicious combination that’s hard to resist!

For more taco recipes, make my baja shrimp tacos, cajun shrimp tacos and baked chicken tacos!

mahi mahi tacos topped with pineapple salsa and avocado crema on a serving plate.

Taco night just got so much better with these mahi mahi fish tacos! The mahi mahi fillets are coated in a homemade blackened seasoning blend and then pan seared to perfection!

You can add your favorite taco toppings, but I love to make this fish taco recipe with pineapple salsa, similar to my pineapple pico de gallo, and my avocado crema that adds SO much flavor!

I’ve had my fair share of fish tacos. And these are seriously the best fish tacos ever.

Everything is made on the stove top, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, cookouts, and of course, taco tuesday!

Mahi Mahi Taco Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
How to make Mahi Mahi Tacos
Tips
How to Serve
Recipe FAQs
More Mexican Inspired Recipes
Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos with Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Mahi Mahi Taco Ingredients

ingredients to make mahi mahi tacos with pineapple salsa on a baking sheet - mahi mahi fillets, tortillas, seasonings, pineapple, corn, jalapeno, avocado, red onion, limes, tajin, and cilantro.

(full list of ingredients in the recipe card)

Mahi-Mahi Fillets – it’s a flaky white dish that’s tender and melts in your mouth! It has a firm texture becomes tender and juicy.
Homemade Blackened Seasonings – smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme all come together to make the blackening seasoning.
Tortillas – I prefer corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
Pineapples – fresh pineapples are for the jalapeno pineapple salsa topping. Fresh is best but canned works here too.
Jalapenos – totally optional, but a touch of spice really wakes these tacos up.
Fresh Cilantro – the chopped cilantro leaves are the perfect topping for tacos for an extra pop of flavor. I also use it in the salsa, too.
Tajin – I like to add a squeeze of lime juice and a few dashes of tajin on top of my tacos!
Lime Juice – fresh limes are best, but the bottled lime juice works too.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find mahi mahi, you can use halibut or swordfish instead.
Try a mango habanero salsa instead of the pineapple salsa for spicy tropical spin!
Make this into a rice bowl by serving swapping the tortilla for rice!
Add hot sauce on top for a little heat!
Grill the mahi mahi to up the smoky flavor! The open flame add that nice charcoal grill taste.

How to make Mahi Mahi Tacos

mahi mahi fillets on a cutting board covered in blackened seasoning.

Step 1: Combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme together in a small bowl to make the blackened seasoning mix. Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry, then cover generously with the prepared blackened seasoning.

Step 2: Add a drizzle of olive oil to a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear mahi mahi fillets for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Then flip and continue to sear until the flesh begins to become flaky, about 2-4 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet.

pineapple salsa mixed together in a bowl.

Step 3: Combine the pineapple salsa ingredients in a bowl and mix together, then prepare the avocado crema. Warm tortillas over an open flame by setting the heat to medium high and placing the tortilla on top of the grate. Warm for 30-60 seconds, until the edges begin to char. (for an electric stove, you can heat the tortillas in a skillet)

mahi mahi tacos assembled on a plate with pineapple salsa, avocado crema, and cilantro on top.

Step 4: Put everything together – slater the avocado crema onto the tortilla, top with a mahi mahi fillet (cut the fillet in half lengthwise if it’s too wide), then top with the pineapple salsa, a little extra tajin, cilantro, and lime juice.

Tips

If using fresh fish, be sure to cook it within 24 hours of purchase. Frozen fish can be stored up to 3 months when stored properly in the freezer.
Serve Immediately: Fish tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so assemble and serve them as soon as the fish is cooked and the toppings are prepared.
Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. Cook until it’s just opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually around 3-5 minutes per side. FYI – the internal temperature should be 145 degrees F if using a meat thermometer.

How to Serve

mahi mahi tacos on a plate with limes and cilantro, and radishes.

Serve with elote pasta salad, a little pineapple pico de gallo to go with the pineapple salsa, and some elote fries to complete the feast! Also, you can’t forget the guacamole. Make my super easy and creamy food processor guacamole, too!

Don’t forget the drinks – enjoy this recipe with my basil watermelon margarita, strawberry lemon drop, or homemade peach tea!

Recipe FAQs

Is mahi or cod better for fish tacos?

Mahi mahi and cod both make excellent fish tacos, but they offer different experiences. Mahi mahi has a firmer texture and a slightly stronger, sweeter flavor, making it ideal for grilling. Cod, on the other hand, is milder and flakier, easily absorbing seasonings and providing a more delicate texture that works well with various cooking methods.

Are mahi tacos healthy?

Yes, mahi mahi tacos can be a healthy meal option. Mahi mahi is a lean fish high in protein and low in fat, providing essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Using fresh vegetables, whole-grain tortillas, and minimal oil can further enhance the nutritional value of the tacos, making them a balanced and nutritious choice.

Is cajun seasoning the same as blackened?

Cajun seasoning and blackened seasoning are similar but not exactly the same. Both contain spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, but blackened seasoning often has additional herbs and spices tailored specifically for the blackening cooking technique, giving it a slightly different flavor profile.

How do you store mahi mahi tacos?

To store mahi mahi tacos, keep the components separate to maintain freshness and texture. Store the cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and keep the tortillas, sauces, and toppings in separate containers. Assemble the tacos just before eating to ensure they remain delicious and not soggy.