dinner recipes

Blackened Cod Recipe

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This blackened cod recipe is a great way to get a delicious meal on the table. The fish is seasoned with a little butter and a homemade Cajun seasoning that is savory, sweet, and mildly spicy. It’s incredibly easy to make and be enjoyed in so many ways. Serve the perfect blackened fish with some sides (napa cabbage slaw or kale salad or haricot vert) for a nutritious and delicious meal or use it for tacos or sandwiches.

If you’re looking to eat more fish and seafood (who isn’t!), be sure to try my crispy Parmesan cod and Old Bay shrimp boil next time.

Blackened fish on a plate with green beans.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

What is Blackened Cod?

Blackened cod is a method of cooking fish that uses a bold spice mixture that in combination with a hot pan, darkens “blackens” the fish. It’s popular Cajun cooking technique and can be done with different types of proteins like chicken, mahi mahi, grouper, and more.

What You’ll Love About Blackened Cod

  • Deliciously flavorful way to enjoy fish
  • Tender, perfectly cooked fish
  • Made with homemade blackening seasoning
  • Just 5 minutes prep time
  • Just 7 minutes cook time
  • Easy meal
  • Healthy dinner main
  • Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

  • Cod fillets – Most cod is wild-caught, but be sure to check and seek it out if that is important to you. You can use fresh fish or frozen fish, it will really depend on where you live and what you have access to. It’s a pretty flexible recipe, so you can also just use your favorite fish.
  • Blackening spice mixture – Smoked paprika, sea salt, granulated sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  • Butter – Use high quality grass-fed butter for best flavor, or whatever type you prefer. You could also swap out the butter and use olive oil instead.
Ingredients to make blackened cod recipe.

How to Make Blackened Fish

This is an overview on how to make blackened fish, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

Prep. Pat fish dry with paper towel. And mix up blackened seasoning in a small bowl.
Bowl with blackening spice mixture with a spoon.
Season fish. Melt half of the butter and brush melted butter on both sides of fish. Sprinkle seasoning mix over both sides of buttered fish.
Cod fish with blackening Cajun mixture.
Cook blackened cod. Melt butter in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and when it foams, cook fish for about 4 minutes, carefully flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes. Fish should flake with a fork there should be a black crust.
Cod fish being cooked in a skillet.

FAQs

What is in blackened fish seasoning?

The recipes and spice mixtures will vary based on recipe, but here we use a classic mix of smoked paprika, sea salt, granulated sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.

Do I have to use cod?

No, this particular recipe is made with cod, but you can really use any white flaky fish like red snapper, grouper, halibut, haddock, or flounder. They are all great options.

Is blackened fish healthy?

Well I say everything is healthy. 🙂 Some foods are more nutritious than others, but all food serves a purpose. This blackened fish is a great source of protein and flavor. So I would say, yes, it’s delicious AND nutritious.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover fish in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

How to reheat

Reheat fish in a hot skillet for best results. Microwaving fish is not recommended.

Can you freeze blackened cod?

Yes, you can freeze cod in an airtight container (stasher bags work well) for 2-3 months, but I do think it alters the texture a bit so you may just want to make a smaller portion.

Blackened cod fish on a plate with green beans.

What to Serve with Blackened Fish Recipe

There are so many ways to serve blackened fish! I like to keep it simple with a white rice and veggie, but it’s also really easy to turn it into a full meal. Here are a few ideas:

  • Blackened Fish Tacos – Serve blackened fish pieces in corn or flour tortillas and top with guacamole, pickled red onions, or your favorite taco toppings like mango salsa.
  • Blackened Fish Sandwich – Serve fish on a bun with shredded iceberg lettuce or crunchy cabbage and a mayo or tartar sauce and dill pickles.
  • Veggie SidesHaricot Verts, Napa Cabbage Slaw, Air Fryer Broccoli , Honey Glazed Carrots

How to Feed Blackened Cod to the Whole Family

I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.

I would recommend serving a tiny piece of blackened cod in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter.

Want More?

Follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.

Piece of blackened cod on a plate with green beans.

More Easy Fish Recipes

If you like this blackened fish, you might also like some of these other fish recipes:

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Blackened fish on a plate with green beans.

Blackened Cod Fish Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 2 reviews

Description

This blackened cod fish recipe is full of flavor and only made with a handful of ingredients. Serve with a simple side for a nutritious dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 oz. cod fillets (thawed)
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, divided

Instructions

  1. Pat fish dry with paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, sea salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon melted butter and brush onto both sides of fish and sprinkle with seasoning on both sides.
  4. Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook fish for about 4 minutes, carefully flip over, and cook another 2-3 minutes, until cooked through and flaky.


Notes

  • Cod is delicious here, but any white, flaky fish will work

Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.

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Comments

  1. Lisa Cozz

    My husband liked it alot, it was a little spicy for me (even though i used only the cayenne). I also cut both the salt and sugar by half.
    I wasn’t certain what heat setting to use, i picked medium and it seemed like that was the right setting.






  2. Tut Gramling

    We liked this blackened cod! It was tasty, with a bit of crispness on the outside and the flavor was just right, not totally overpowering. Had your airfry potatoes and asparagus with it. Another winner Emily.






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