Blackened Cod

This is the best blackened cod recipe. The homemade blackened seasoning on this cod is full of delicious, smoky cajun flavour to give this pan fried fish recipe the most incredible taste. You will love how easy and simple this recipe is. You can have a healthy meal on the table in under 10 minutes! I’ve included oven and air fryer instructions too. 

Why you will love this recipe: 

• These blackened cod filets have the best flavour! A little sweet, a little spicy, and a little smoky. 
• The homemade blackened seasoning recipe is easy to make using pantry staple ingredients. 
• This fish recipe takes less than 10 minutes to cook. 
• It’s healthy and high in protein. 
• It’s naturally gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto, and paleo. 
• The clean up is simple because this fish is cooked in just one pan or cast iron skillet. 
• If you prefer to bake your cod, I’ve including baking instructions and air fryer instructions too!
• You can use this cod recipe to make blackened fish tacos!

Key ingredients and substitutions: 

• Cod filets – fresh cod is such a delicious fish that doesn’t have a strong fishy flavour. If you bought frozen cod filets, let them thaw before cooking them. I recommend using wild cod rather than farmed cod. 
• Blackened seasoning – this homemade blacked seasoning is made with pantry staple ingredients including smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar or coconut sugar, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and basil. If you want an even easier option you could buy a store bought blackened seasoning instead. 

How to make this recipe: 

To make the blackened seasoning: 

Mix together the paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), cayenne, and dried basil in a bowl or jar.

To make the cod: 

Step one:

First, wash and dry the cod filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. 

Step two: 

Then brush each side of the cod fillets with a little of the cooking oil.

Step three:

Now evenly coat each side of the cod fillets with the blackened seasoning.  

Step four: 

Next place a medium pan or cast iron skillet on the stove on medium heat and add the remaining cooking oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets to the pan and cook for ~3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through.

Taste and texture: 

Cod takes on the flavour of the blacked spice rub giving it a delicious cajun, smoky, yet slightly sweet and spicy flavour. Cod has white, flaky meat, that has a velvety texture and buttery flavour. It has a fair bit of moisture, and a mild taste and doesn’t have a strong fishy taste. 

Chef’s tips: 

• When buying cod, try to buy cod filets that are about an inch thick for best results. If you buy thinner pieces of cod, you will need to decrease the cooking time for this recipe. 
• Depending on the size of the cod filets that you buy, you may have to adjust the cooking time. 
• If you can’t find cod, haddock or pollock would be great substitutes for this recipe. 
• After it’s done cooking, let the cod rest for 2-3 minutes to become even more tender and juicy (just like you do for a steak). 
• You will likely have some of the blackened seasoning left over, simply store it in a jar to use at a later date. 

Variations and add ins: 

• If you don’t have smoked paprika you can use paprika or sweet paprika instead.
• To make the spice rub less spicy, decrease the amount of cayenne, or omit it altogether. 
• To make the blackened seasoning sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar. 
• For the cooking oil I recommend using either olive oil or avocado oil. 
• If you are serving a crowd feel free to double or triple this recipe.

What to serve with cod: 

• Squeeze a little lime or lemon juice on it when it’s done cooking. 
• Serve baked cod with cooked vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli or cauliflower. 
• Top it with mango habanero salsa.
• Serve it over rice or pasta.
• Use this blackened cod recipe to make blacked cod tacos!
• Serve cod with coleslaw or your favourite salad. 
• Top it with guacamole or homemade salsa. 
• Serve this cajun cod with roasted potatoes or French fries. 

How to store: 

If you have leftover cooked cod, store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. 

Frequently asked questions: 

Other recipes you will love: 

• Air fried fish sticks
• Mexican chicken marinade
• Air fried shrimp
• Air fried scallops with lemon butter 

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