The Best Blackened Cod (Quick and Easy)

This is the best blackened cod recipe. It's so quick and easy to make and is ready in under 10 minutes. The homemade blackened seasoning on this fish is full of delicious, smoky cajun flavour and gives this healthy fish recipe the best taste.

Table of Contents

• Why you will love this recipe: 
• Ingredient notes:
• How to make (step-by-step): 
• Top Tips:
• Recipe variations and add ins: 
• How to serve:
• How to store: 
• Frequently asked questions: 
• Other recipes you will love: 
• Recipe

Why you will love this recipe: 

• These blackened cod filets have the best flavour! A little sweet, a little spicy, and a little smoky. Just like the best pan seared shrimp.
• This fish recipe takes less than 10 minutes to cook so it's a great option for busy weeknight meals. It's such an easy recipe.
• The homemade blackened seasoning recipe for this fish is quick and easy to make using simple pantry staple ingredients. 
• This fish recipe is healthy, high in protein, 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. 
• You can use this cod recipe to make blackened fish tacos! It's such an easy dinner recipe.

If you love seafood recipes you will also love pan seared shrimp!

Ingredient notes:

You should be able to find all of these simple ingredients at any local grocery store. For the exact measurements refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Cod fillets - fresh cod is such a delicious white 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 if possible for the best flavour. 
• Blackened seasoning - this homemade blackened seasoning spice mixture is made ingredients that you likely already have in your spice cabinet including smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar or coconut sugar, sea salt, ground 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 (step-by-step): 

Step one:

First you will make the blackened seasoning by mixing together the paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), cayenne pepper, and dried basil in a small bowl or jar.

Step two:

Now, wash and dry both sides of the cod fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. 

Step three:

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

Step four:

Now evenly coat each side of the cod fillets with the spice blend.  

Step five:

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.

Recipe variations and add ins: 

• If you can't find cod, you can use a different fish such as haddock or pollock. 
• 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. 
• If you want a spicier flavour add a bit of chili powder to the spice blend. 
• 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.

How to serve:

You can serve this cod in so many ways. It makes for such a delicious meal. Some of my favourite ways to serve it include:

• Squeeze a little fresh lime juice 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, guacamole, or another fruit salsa.
• Serve it over rice or pasta.
• Serve this cod with cajun butter sauce for even more flavour!
• This is the perfect recipe to make blackened cod tacos! I love serving the smoky fish in corn tortillas and topping it with mango salsa and coleslaw.
• Serve cod with different side dishes such as orange asian coleslaw or the best kale apple salad. 

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
• Blackened Mahi Mahi
• Chicken taco seasoning
• Mexican chicken marinade
• Air fried shrimp
• Air fried scallops with lemon butter 

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Recipe