This blackened cod recipe makes a flakey, buttery cod that is packed with flavors and spices. The best part is, it is super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Blackened cod recipe is a very healthy dish since it has plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also relatively low in calories, making it an excellent dish for weight loss.
This dish is easy to make with few ingredients and steps. Within 10 minutes, you can cook up a flakey blackened cod dinner.
This recipe is full of interesting spices that come together for a unique flavor.
Key Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Cod fillet – You can buy Alaskan or Pacific Cod since they are both firm but buttery. Smoked paprika – adds a smoky flavor to the blackened cod. Chili – brings some heat to the dish. Oregano – the aroma of herbs gives the dish some depth. Garlic – provides additional flavor. Sugar – gives the fish a hint of sweetness. Salt.
How To Make Blackened cod
Step 1. Rinse the cod and make sure to pat dry the fillets with a paper towel so that there is very little leftover moisture. Add all of the spices onto a flat plate and mix them together.
Step 2. Dip the cod fillets in the seasoning. Massage the spices into the cod to make sure each side of the fillet is covered with spices.
Step 3. Heat cast-iron skillet on high to medium heat. Add oil to the pan and make sure it completely covers the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the fillet into the pan and fry it on each side for 3-4 minutes. Make sure all sides are crispy.
Tips For Success
If you have thicker slices of cod, coat the entire piece with seasonings, but if you have a thinner slice, it is better to sprinkle on the seasoning, so you don’t over-season it.
Make sure to pat dry the fillets, so the hot oil in the pan does not burn you when it mixes with the water from the surface of the fish when cooked.
Taste the rub before adding it to the fish, adjust salt and sugar for your taste buds. If you like spicy food, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
You will know your blackened cod is ready when it is no longer translucent and the filet flakes apart. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillet and how hot the skillet is.
Use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan or a heavy-bottomed nonstick pan for the crispiest sear.
To save time you can buy premade blackened seasoning or Cajun spice instead of making it.
Use this recipe to make blackened cod tacos, fish sandwiches, or serve with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is Blackened Fish?
Blackened fish is a cooking method where the fish is coated in a mixture of spices such as paprika, chili, and garlic. The fish is then cooked at a really high temperature, typically on a cast iron pan, to get a blackened crust. Cod, haddock, and snapper are the most common types of fish filets used with this cooking technique.
What Do You Eat With Blackened Cod?
French fries and fish is, of course, a classic combination. I mean, just think of fish and chips. But cod can also be paired with so many different sides. If you are going for a healthy meal, you can pair cod with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. Rice and roasted potatoes also work really well with blackened cod since they balance out the intense flavors.
What Does Cod Taste Like?
Cod is a mild-tasting, delicate fish that is flaky but still firm. It holds up well when it is cooked, making it a perfect fish for the blackened cooking technique.
How To Serve Blackened Cod?
Once the blackened cod has been cooked, quickly remove it from the pan so it does not overcook. Since cod is mild in taste, it can be served with lemon slices and parsley to give the dish additional bursts of brightness and acidity.
This blackened cod recipe makes a flakey, buttery cod that is packed with flavors and spices. The best part is, it is super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Rinse the cod, using a paper towel, pat dry the fillets to remove the extra moisture. Add all the spices to the flat plate and mix to combine and make the blackened seasoning.
Dip cod fillet in the seasoning, massaging each side and making sure fillets are covered in the spices.
Heat cast-iron skillet on high to medium heat, add oil, make sure that pan is hot and the bottom of the pan is covered with oil. Add fillet and fry on each side for 3-4 minutes till crispy.
Notes
If you have thicker slices of cod, coat the entire piece with seasonings, but if you have a thinner cut, it is better to sprinkle on the seasoning, so you don’t over-season it.Make sure to pat dry the fillets, so the hot oil in the pan does not burn you when it mixes with the water from the surface of the fish when cooked.Taste the rub before adding it to the fish, adjust salt and sugar for your taste buds. If you like spicy food, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.You will know your blackened cod is ready when it is no longer translucent and the filet flakes apart. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillet and how hot the skillet is.Use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan or a heavy-bottomed nonstick pan for the crispiest sear.To save time, you can buy premade blackened seasoning or Cajun spice instead of making it.Use this recipe to make blackened cod tacos, fish sandwiches, or serve with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
Natalia is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cook. She started Flavorful Home to document her recipes and share home cooking tips. She loves creating flavorful and nutritious meals while keeping the cooking process simple and joyful!
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Hi there, I’m Natalia. I’m so glad you stopped by! Here you’ll find the most useful cooking tips and answers to food questions. I focus on creating simple recipes and making sure they are extra flavorful and worthy of your time! Browse our step-by-step recipes and explore new flavors!
