Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Fresh, juicy, smokey, spicy, blackened mahi-mahi sandwich (aka dolphin sandwich) on a kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, and mashed avocado!
One of my favorite restaurants ever in this world is this seafood & bar place named Flanigan’s, located only in Florida. If you’re ever in town, FIND ONE. Nothing but fresh, delicious seafood, juicy burgers, wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, curly fries, desserts, and beer. I mean, what’s not to love.
When I’m not having wings or ribs (which are my usual go-to items), I opt for fish. Always. Always fish. Did we already establish that I’m obsessed with seafood? I swear if there was wifi on an island, I could totally survive just by eating fish all day. I’d probably die without the wifi though. Not even joking.
The dolphin sandwich at Flanigan’s is always a bit spicy, a little smokey and has the most perfect texture every time. I just had to recreate it!
Mahi mahi (dolphin) fillets are pretty easy to make. I always thought you could only make them in the oven but it’s literally done in just 8 minutes on a skillet. A little olive oil, pan sear, and done!
You can use kaiser rolls or pretzel rolls. Any bread, really. Also, tartar sauce is a good choice OR you can use mashed avocado instead of mayo. I’m not a fan of mayo so mashed avocado is the next best thing!
Finally, pair the blackened mahi-mahi sandwich with sweet potato fries. The best decision you’ll make all day.
Recommended For This Recipe
PLEASE make this recipe. I’d LOVE to see it and I know you will LOVE it!
Other recipes you may like:
- Spicy Lime Tuna Cakes with Yogurt Sauce
- Cuban Sliders {Mini Medianoche Sandwiches}
- Carne Asada Tostones with Roasted Garlic Chopped Salad
- Salmon Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Basil Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Ingredients
Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich
- 4 mahi mahi fillets
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 small Hass avocado, mashed
- 4 kaiser rolls
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, (any kind: romaine, spinach, bibb)
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt, pepper, smoked paprika to taste
Instructions
Sweet Potato Fries
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Bake until tender, about 20 minutes.
Blackened Mahi Mahi
- Combine the paprika, cayenne, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Lay the mahi mahi filets on a clean work surface and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over each filet, rubbing it on all sides.
- In a non-stick skillet set over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 2 of the mahi mahi filets and cook, undisturbed until they’re just beginning to blacken, about 4 minutes. Flip the filets and cook for another 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining 2 filets. Set aside.
- Slice the kaiser rolls. Spread mashed avocado on each roll then add lettuce, tomato and mahi mahi fillet. Serve with sweet potato fries. Enjoy!
Hi Jamie,
Are you sure this is dolphin? Because it’s illegal to fish for or eat dolphin. They are protected. That makes me sad to think of killing and eating intelligent dolphins. Is it maybe dolphinfish, which is a different fish? It might be an east coast thing to call mahi mahi ‘dolphin’. I used halibut just in case. Anyway, I made the sandwich…delicious! I added some chipotle mayo from your fish taco recipe for dipping the sweet potato fries…wowzas!
Hi Ana! You know that’s a good question. There probably is a different name or type of dolphin but the menus here in Florida say dolphin which is why I mentioned it that way. Either way, I’m SO glad you enjoyed this and my fish taco recipe! Makes me really happy. <3
The fish is called Mahi-Mahi or dolphin fish. I believe the translation of Mahi-Mahi is “strong strong” or “very strong” and that they are referred to as dolphin fish because they swim alongside boats, as do dolphins. I could’ve wrong about how they got their name but I’m sure that they are fish and not a mammal like a dolphin. I also lived in Florida and I ate Mahi-Mahi/dolphin fish at least once a week whether it was from a restaurant, the fish market or cooked at home after my Uncle would bring it home from a fishing trip on his boat. It is absolutely delicious and one of my favorite fish to eat. Your recipe looks perfect, I’ll definitely be making!
Dolphin fish is not dolphin the mammal, like flipper. You know seriously, it takes just a minute to look that up yourself. Mahi is also called dorado. Jeez take a minute and do your own research before preaching and your sadness. Honestly I don’t think I’ll ever understand people like you.
Btw, great recipe Jamie! Blackening your way adds just enough. Very nice.