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Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

Blackened Cod

Published: Apr 2, 2022 by Colleen 41 Comments

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A fork cutting into a fillet of pan seared fish.

Blackened Cod is a super flavorful, slightly spicy, easy to make dish that you can put on the table in 10 minutes. A delicious healthy meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight.

2 blackened cod fillets on a white plate with spinach and lemon wedges.
Blackened fish gets a dark crust.

Cod is a firm fleshed white fish. It has a flaky texture and mild flavor and is often the fish used in fish and chips, and it's delicious in fish stew (check out my Spanish Fish Stew recipe).

Jump to:
  • What is Blackening?
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How to Cook Blackened Cod
  • Top Tips
  • Recipe FAQ's
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Seafood & Easy Fish Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

A silver fork cutting into a pan seared fish fillet.
The pan seared fish flakes easily when cooked.

What is Blackening?

Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique. Basically fish or chicken is coated with a Cajun seasoning blend. And then it's pan seared over high heat, so that it forms a blackened crust on the outside.

Why This Recipe Works

  • It all starts with a delicious spice mixture. And you probably already have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet.
  • We should all be eating more sustainable seafood, but it can be expensive! Fortunately, cod is usually one of the more economical seafood choices.
  • Blackened cod is quick and easy to make. You can have dinner on the table in just 10 minutes.
  • This easy recipe is healthy, low in calories, and gluten-free.

Ingredient Notes

  • Cod Use fresh cod fillets or thawed frozen cod fillets or loins. Cut large fillets into portion sizes before cooking.
Uncooked cod loins in a glass pan.
Cod Loins
  • Dry Rub The blackened seasoning is essentially a mild Cajun seasoning blend. It contains oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt and black pepper.
  • Oil Use a cooking oil with a high smoke point. Avoid using olive oil for this recipe. I'm using avocado oil, but some other choices are safflower, corn, sunflower or peanut oil.
The ingredients for the seasoning blend.
The blackened seasoning ingredients

How to Cook Blackened Cod

  1. Combine the ingredients for the blackening spice rub in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the blackening seasoning on all sides of the cod fillets.
  3. Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet and cook the seasoned cod for 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.
  4. Turn the cod pieces and cook the other side for the same amount of time.
The four steps for making blackened cod.
Just four steps

Top Tips

  • Always pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or any heavy skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish. The blackening process requires a hot pan.
  • If you are using a non-stick skillet, you will still need to use oil because we are cooking over high heat.
  • Don't be tempted to flip more than once! You want a crust to form on the bottom and then on the top of the fish.
  • Leave lots of space in the pan between the fillets when pan searing. You may have to cook in two batches.
  • If you are cooking in two batches, between batches, carefully use paper towels to wipe the pan clean, add fresh oil, and wait for it to reheat before adding the next batch.
  • This recipe is even quicker if you skip making your own seasoning and use a store bought Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°. The only safe way to tell is by using a meat thermometer, which, as I often mention, is an inexpensive tool that ensures perfectly cooked food every time. Use the thermometer in the thickest part of the fish to get the internal temperature.
  • You don't have to stick to cod with this recipe! It works great for most fish. Try halibut, mahi mahi, red snapper, or salmon.
  • Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 1-2 days.

Recipe FAQ's

Are Cajun seasoning and blackening seasoning the same thing?

No, although they are very similar, Cajun seasoning tends to be spicier.

Is blackening fish healthy?

Yes blackening is not burning or charring. You are actually just getting a very dark brown crust.

A piece of fish on a fork.
Delicious pan seared cod.

Serving Suggestions

My homemade tartar sauce is perfect with blackened cod, and you can whip it up in minutes. This recipe for Cajun Rice & Beans is a perfect side dish for this Cajun style fish, too.

This blackened cod recipe is also delicious in fish tacos, and you can check out side dishes and salads to round out your delicious meal.

More Seafood & Easy Fish Recipes

  • Salmon Spinach Pasta
  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Mussels Thai Style
  • Pan Seared Scallops
  • Cajun Crab Cakes

Recipe

2 blackened cod loin pieces on a white plate with lemon wedges and salad greens.

Blackened Cod

Cajun style blackened cod is coated with tasty seasonings and pan seared to form a delicious crust.
5 from 58 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 152kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces cod 4 60 ounce fillets or loins
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon course salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper.
  • Dry each cod fillet or loin with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fish, using your hands to coat all sides of the fillet.
  • Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan over medium high heat.
  • Put the fillets, into the hot pan without crowding. Cook 2-3 minutes without turning.
  • Carefully turn the fish using a spatula or fish spatula. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  • Serve hot

Notes

  • Always pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or any heavy skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish. The blackening process requires a hot pan.
  • If you are using a non-stick skillet, you will still need to use oil because we are cooking over high heat.
  • Don't be tempted to flip more than once! You want a crust to form on the bottom and then on the top of the fish.
  • Leave lots of space between the fillets. You may have to cook in two batches.
  • If you are cooking in two batches, carefully use paper towels to wipe the pan clean, add fresh oil, and wait for it to reheat before adding the next batch.
  • This recipe is even quicker if you skip making your own seasoning and use a store bought Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°. The only safe way to tell is by using a meat thermometer, which I often mention, is an inexpensive too that ensures perfectly cooked food every time. Use the thermometer in the thickest part of the fish to get the internal temperature.
  • You don't have to stick to cod with this recipe! It works great for most fish. Try halibut, mahi mahi, red snapper, or salmon.
  • Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 1-2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1053IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Terri

    June 07, 2022 at 3:55 am

    I always wanted to make blackened fish but thought it was more complicated than it is. Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      June 07, 2022 at 8:53 am

      Hi Terri. It really is pretty simple!

      Reply
  2. nancy

    June 05, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    I LOVE this Blackened Cod recipe. The flavours was bang on it the fish was super juicy. Everyone loved it and it tasted even better as leftovers the next day!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      June 06, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Nancy! I love hearing this! Thanks for your feedback!

      Reply
  3. Elaine

    June 01, 2022 at 1:24 pm

    Love this! I had cod in the freezer and my own Cajun seasoning in the spice cupboard, so this made a quick, healthy meal last night!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      June 02, 2022 at 10:18 am

      Hi Elaine. Isn't it awesome when you have the ingredients on hand? I'm happy that it worked out well for you. Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  4. Asha

    June 01, 2022 at 2:32 am

    Such a delicious blend of seasonings! I love the idea of using sustainable seafood, as well. Thanks for the great recipe

    Reply
    • Colleen

      June 02, 2022 at 10:16 am

      You're welcome, Asha. Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Crystal

        December 17, 2022 at 5:45 am

        This recipe turned out great! My husband loved it!

      • Colleen

        December 17, 2022 at 8:37 pm

        Hi Crystal! So great to hear that the blackened cod turned out great for you! Thank you so much for sharing!

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