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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Fish & Seafood

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 · Modified: Jan 12, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Blackened Cod

    392 shares
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    cajun cod in skillet
    cajun cod recipe in cast iron skillet
    Cajun cod fillet with a slice of lemon in a cast iron pan.
    Fish on a bed of rice.

    This blackened cod recipe uses our homemade blackening seasoning to create the perfect crust on the outside and a flaky inside. The Cajun-style seasoning can be made mild or spicy, so don't shy away from its bold flavor.

    Cajun cod on plate with rice and asparagus.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Blacken Cod
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🌡️ Storing Leftovers
    • More Easy Weeknight Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    I love this fish recipe because it is healthy and packed with flavor but only takes 15 minutes. It is great any time of year and can be served on top of a salad or or with our chimichurri rice pilaf.

    If you enjoyed our low-carb chicken piccata recipe or our baked mahi-mahi recipe then this fish recipe is going to be a big hit with you!

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    This delicious recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo. Making it a quick and easy healthy weeknight dinner the whole family can enjoy.

    After testing several brands of seasoning of

    My homemade Cajun seasoning blend has the perfect combination of spices without being too salty. More flavor and less sodium.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Cod Fillets- Both fresh and frozen filets work in this recipe. Just defrost before using. When picking out fresh cod, the filets should be of similar shape and size and smell like the ocean, not fish.

    You can substitute other fish types. Mahi makes a wonderful substitution.

    Blackening Seasoning- You can use homemade or store-bought. If using store-bought check for salt and spice levels and adjust as needed.

    If your store-bought blackening seasoning is too salty, add equal parts of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to thin it out.

    Note: Depending on the brand blackening seasoning may also be called Cajun seasoning.

    Individual spices for Cajun mix on a plate.

    Olive Oil- You can use any neutral-tasting oil for blackening the fish. Avocado oil and Grapeseed oil are great substitutes. But I actually love to use leftover bacon fat when I am feeling decadent.

    Garnishes- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

    ⏲️How to Blacken Cod

    The method of blackening fish is to cook on high heat so that the spice blend creates a blackened crust around the fish. There will be smoke so be sure to turn on the exhaust fan, or get crazy and cook outside.

    Start by prepping your spice mixture. The recipe will make about 1 cup of the spice blend and you will see approximately ¼ of that in this recipe.

    blackening seasoning in bowl

    Step 1- Season the Fish

    Start by gently drying your fish with paper towels. The spice blend will actually adhere better if the fish is dry.

    Generously coat both sides of the fish fillets with the blackening spice. Using your hands press the spices into the fish so each piece is entirely coated.

    A quarter cup of seasoning may seem like a lot but definitely don't skimp. Add more if needed. You need quite a bit of seasoning to form a good crust.

    cod with cajun seasoning on sheet pan

    Step 2- Properly Heat the Pan

    Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet. A cast-iron skillet is my preference. The oil should cover the entire pan to ensure the fish doesn't stick.

    Be patient when heating your pan, it needs to be very hot before you add the fish. Use the water test to determine when the skillet is ready. S

    Splash in a few drops of water if it sizzles immediately, your pan is ready.

    Step 3- Blacken the Fish

    Carefully place the seasoned cod into the skillet, and cook for 4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer until the thickest part of the fish reaches between 135 F and 145 F degrees.

    A fish spatula, while not necessary, does make flipping the fish much easier. It has flexibility while being strong enough to separate the meat from the pan.

    cod cooking in skillet

    🥗How to Serve Blackened Fish

    Blackened fish is a flavorful main dish all on its own. But personally, I love our pineapple and cucumber salsa on top of the fish.

    If you want a spicier topping our cucumber chutney or our mango habanero salsa. Both take just 5 minutes and add a Caribbean flair.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    Want to amp up the flavor? Lightly brush a little Dijon mustard or hot sauce on the fish before pressing on the seasoning. Don't overdo it, excess moisture willl cause the seasoning to slide off during cooking.

    cropped-blackened-cod-recipe.jpg

    🌡️ Storing Leftovers

    Leftover cod fillets should be refrigerated in an airtight container, it will be good for 2 to 3 days.

    Unlike most fish recipes, we have found that cod makes great leftovers. Cod holds up better to reheating than thinner fishes like tilapia or steak style cuts like mahi-mahi.

    The cooked cod can be served cold on a salad or reheated. My preferred use for leftover cod is in fish tacos.

    Flake the fish with a fork and reheat the fish in a non-stick skillet with a little olive oil until warmed through.

    Serve in a warm soft corn tortilla shell with your favorite toppings. We like a little diced onion with our pickled watermelon radishes and a quick avocado puree.

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      Penne Pasta with Sausage and Broccolini (GF)
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      San Marzano Tomato Sauce
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    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference betwen black cod and blackened cod?

    Black cod is a type of fish, also called Sablefish, and blackened cod is fish cooked with crust of spices at a high heat. Black cod is fattier and less flakey than Atlantic cod.

    What temperature should fish be cooked to?

    The FDA recommends 145 F degrees but I find that cod is optimal at about 135 F degrees. This will ensure the center is nearly opaque and lovely flaky texture. The fish will come up in temperature while you are plating it. You can use an instant read meat thermometer to check the temperature.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    A piece of blackened cod on rice

    Blackened Cod

    Easy blackened cod recipe using homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning. This delicious and easy recipe is ready in 15 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.
    Servings: 4
    Prep: 5 mins
    Cook: 10 mins
    Total: 15 mins
    5 from 14 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet recommended
    • Fish spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 6-ounce cod fillets
    • ¼ cup blackening seasoning homemade or store bought
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

    Blackening Seasoning

    • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Generously coat both sides of each cod fillet with the blackening spice, about 1 tablespoon per piece of fish. Press the spices into the fish so each piece is entirely coated.
      4 6-ounce cod fillets, ¼ cup blackening seasoning
    • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should cover the entire pan. The skillet is ready when you flick in a bit of water and it sizzles immediately.
      2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Place the cod into the skillet, and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the thickest part of the fish reaches 145 F degrees. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
      chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges

    Blackening Seasoning

    • Mix together all ingredients. This recipe will make more than is needed for the cod. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 6 months.
      3 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon dried basil
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    Storing Leftovers
    1. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
    2. Leftovers can be eaten cold on a salad or reheated and used for fish tacos or other recipes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 8g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Cajun, Southern
    Keyword blackened cod, blackened fish, cast iron cod recipe, easy fish recipes, how to blacken fish
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    392 shares
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      Recipe Rating




    1. veenaazmanov says

      March 21, 2021 at 11:44 pm

      5 stars
      Fish and the flavors. Super delicious and yummy platter. I just want to grab a bite.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        March 22, 2021 at 7:40 am

        5 stars
        Thank you for the review!

        Reply
    2. Biana says

      March 21, 2021 at 10:54 pm

      5 stars
      So healthy and delicious! I love that you need just a few ingredients for this recipe, will be giving it a try very soon.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        March 22, 2021 at 7:40 am

        Let us know how it turns out.

        Reply
    3. Caitlyn Erhardt says

      March 21, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      Even my fish hating husband loved this cod recipe. These flavors were on point!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        March 22, 2021 at 7:40 am

        5 stars
        Glad to hear it was a hit.

        Reply
    4. Claudia Lamascolo says

      March 21, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is so flavorful I love blackened spice this will be awesome on anything thanks

      Reply
      • Jen says

        March 22, 2021 at 7:40 am

        Yes! We are going to have a chicken sandwich up soon that uses it.

        Reply
    5. Beth says

      March 21, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! My daughter and I are going to love this recipe! Can't wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and tasty!

      Reply

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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