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: 

How do you know when cod is cooked?

The best way to tell if cod is done cooking is by testing it with a fork at its thickest point – twist the fork gently and if the fish is done cooking its will flake easily and will have lost its translucent appearance. Cod turns white when it’s done cooking. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What makes fish blackened? 

Blackened fish is a cooking technique that uses a spice blend to coat the fish and cooking the fish in a high heat pan or skillet to create a delicious blackened fish crust.

Can I make this cod recipe in the oven?

To make this blackened cod recipe in the oven rather than a skillet or pan, prepare the cod as you would for this recipe, and then bake the cod at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 10-12 minutes. 

Can I make this cod fillet recipe in an air fryer? 

To cook these blackened cod fillets in air fryer, prepare the cod as you would for this recipe, and then bake the cod at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. 

What is the difference between cod and black cod?

You might be surprised to learn that black cod actually isn’t a form of cod. Black cod, which is known as Sablefish or Butterfish, is a delicious fish with a rich, buttery flavour and delicate, silky texture. Black cod is a delicacy in many countries, and is especially popular in Japan. 

Other recipes you will love: 

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

SINCE YOU MADE IT THIS FAR WE ARE BASICALLY BEST FRIENDS SO BE SURE TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TIKTOK AND FACEBOOK WHERE I SHARE EVEN MORE RECIPES AND HEALTHY LIVING TIPS! AND DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE THIS RECIPE A STAR REVIEW BEFORE YOU GO!

5 from 3 votes

Print

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod is such an easy, delicious meal. Ready in under 10 minutes you will have a delicious fish recipe on the table in no time!

Course Dinner, Fish, Main Course

Cuisine American, Cajun

Keyword blackened fish, Cajun, cajun food

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 13 minutes

Servings 2

Calories 972 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 6 oz pieces of fresh cod (equivalent to 170 grams)
• 3 tbsp cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil)

Blackened Seasoning

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (or paprika or sweet paprika)
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne

Instructions

Blackened Seasoning Instructions

1. Mix together the smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, coconut sugar, cayenne, and dried basil to create the blackened seasoning. Store any unused seasoning in an airtight jar.

Cod Instructions

1. Wash and dry each cod filet with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

2. Brush each side of the cod fillets with a little of the cooking oil.

3. Evenly coat each side of the cod fillets with the blackened seasoning.

4. Place a medium pan or cast iron skillet on the stove on medium heat and add the remaining cooking oil to the pan.

5. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets and cook for ~3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through.

Recipe Notes

1. Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. 
2. Feel free to vary the spices in the blackened seasoning depending on your taste preference. 
3. Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Nutrition Facts

Blackened Cod

Amount Per Serving

Calories 972 Calories from Fat 252

% Daily Value*

Fat 28g43%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 8g

Monounsaturated Fat 14g

Cholesterol 387mg129%

Sodium 1666mg72%

Potassium 3873mg111%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 161g322%

Vitamin A 2340IU47%

Vitamin C 10mg12%

Calcium 201mg20%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this recipe for later: