Blackened Cod

With only 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to prep, this Blackened Cod is an excellent quick dinner option. I'm also sharing the best cooking technique to make sure you fish is perfectly flaky and melts in your mouth.

Making easy blackened cod at home is a breeze with this simple recipe. With just a 3 ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious meal your family will love!

Cod is a versatile and mild-flavored fish that pairs beautifully with bold seasonings. It's a thicker white fish that's incredibly flaky once cooked. I recommend buying the wild variety or organic if you can. Be sure it's also skinless and deboned by the fishmonger as well.

When coated in rich blackened seasoning and cooked to perfection, cod transforms into a dish bursting with flavor and incredible texture. You can also blacken really any other type of fish, but a thick and flaky white fish is my personal favorite.

Chef's Tip: We are pan-searing cod on the stovetop here since it's easy and quick. You can also bake your cod in a 400ºF oven for 10 to 12 minutes until opaque and cooked through.

What is in Blackening Seasoning

Blackened seasoning is a flavorful spice blend with a bit of heat used to season meat or seafood before cooking. It consists of a combination of spices and herbs that create a bold and spicy flavor profile. Not only is it great on seafood, but also delicious as Blackened Chicken!

I use Zatarain’s Blackened Seasoning, but you can also make it from scratch with these ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Taste the seasoning blend and adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or salt to your preferred level of spiciness and saltiness.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Quick to Make: At less than 20 minutes from start to finish, this seafood dish is an excellent busy weeknight dinner the family will love!
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing beats a dinner protein with only 3 familiar ingredients!
• Health Benefits: Cod is a lean source of protein that is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
• Affordable Fish Recipe: Cod is an affordable cut of fish, making this a great seafood option to make at home that won't break the bank.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Pacific Cod: It's typically mild in flavor with a firm texture, which complements the bold flavors of the seasoning and butter. Be sure it's skinless with bones removed.
• Blackened Seasoning: This is a spice blend that includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. It adds heat, smoky and sweet flavors, and color to the dish. Use store-bought for easy for make your own easily.
• Butter: Butter adds richness, aids in achieving a crispy, flavorful crust, and helps keep the cod moist and tender as it cooks.

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet
• Metal Fish Turner

How to Make Blackened Cod

1. Season both filet sides with blackened seasoning. 

2. Add ½ tablespoon butter to a skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the filets 4-5 minutes.

3. Carefully flip, add the remaining butter, and cook an additional 4-5 minutes more or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. 

4. Transfer to 2 plates and serve garnish as desired.

What to Serve with this Blackened Cod Recipe

Blackened cod pairs well with a variety of side dishes! For our starch side dish, we love to have it with 3-ingredient Savory Rice, Buttered Potatoes, and Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. Some vegetable side dishes that pair well are Green Beans with Bacon and Onion, Easy Cooked Vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Want an excellent bread to pair alongside it, Copycat Dolly Parton's Stampede Garlic Biscuits, Garlic Bread, and southern Hoecakes can fit the bill!

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Don't Overcook the Cod: Keep an eye on the cod while it cooks to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry and tough fish. Cod cooks quickly, so it's best to err on the side of caution and check for doneness after a few minutes on each side.
• Baked Blackened Cod: You can bake the cod in the oven if you prefer. Place the seasoned cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount and type of seasoning according to your personal preferences. A homemade blackened seasoning blend you can make
• Fish Varieties: Salmon, tilapia, or flounder can also be used in this dish. Keep in mind you may need less/more cook time. The safe internal temperature of fish that should be reached is 145°F.
• Cod Varieties: Black cod that is not the same as pacific cod (as used in this recipe), but both are delicious in this recipe. This Black Cod Recipe is another way I love to cook with this variety! It's a variation slightly different than the original recipe from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at Nobu restaurant.
• Using Frozen Fish: Thaw frozen filets completely, then remove as much moisture as possible. Sometimes frozen varieties can leach out additional liquid, which can alter the consistency of cooked fish consistency.

Storage and Freezing

While it is possible to freeze cod, this dish is best served fresh from the skillet. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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