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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Fish & Seafood

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 · Modified: Sep 16, 2021 by Jen Wooster

    Blackened Cod

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    cod on plate with rice and asparagus
    cajun cod recipe in cast iron skillet
    blackened cod over rice with asparagus

    Our 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.

    Blackened cod is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo. Making it a quick and easy healthy weeknight dinner the whole family can enjoy.

    cod in cast iron skillet with parsley and lemon

    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:
    • 🧾Ingredients and Substitutions
    • ⏲️How to Blacken Cod
    • 🥘 Expert Tips
    • 💭 Storing and Using Leftovers
    • 🥗Best Side Dishes for Blackened Cod
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    I love this fish recipe because it is healthy, sugar free, 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 with a good Cajun dirty rice.

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

    🧾Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Cod Fillets- Both fresh or frozen filets work in this recipe. Just defrost before using. When picking fresh fish, 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 level and adjust as needed. If your blackening seasoning is too salty, add equal parts of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to hin it out.
    • Olive Oil- You can use any neutral tasting oil for blackening the fish. Avocado oil and Grapeseed oil are great substitutes.
    • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

    Note: Depending don't eh brand blackening seasoning may also be called Cajun seasoning.

    blackening seasoning in bowl

    ⏲️How to Blacken Cod

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

    Step 1- Season the Fish

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

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

    Step 3- Blacken the Fish

    Carefully place the 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 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 on plate with rice and asparagus

    🥘 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, you don't want the seasoning to slide off during cooking.
    • 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.

    💭 Storing and Using Leftovers

    Any leftover cod should be refrigerated in an airtight container, it will be good for 2 to 3 days. Unlike most fish recipes, we have found that blackened 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 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.

    fork cutting into blackened cod

    🥗Best Side Dishes for Blackened Cod

    Blackened fish is a flavorful main course 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 takes 5 minutes and adds a Caribbean flair.

    Sides dishes can be anything from salads to roasted veggies. But here are a few of our favorite pairings.

    Spicy Avocado Coleslaw
    Bold and colorful, this spicy avocado coleslaw is a healthy paleo version that is gluten, dairy, and sugar free.
    Check out this recipe
    spicy coleslaw on a plate next to a serving bowl
    Garlic Green Beans
    Quick and easy sauteed garlic green beans are the perfect healthy weeknight side dish. 
    Check out this recipe
    garlic green beans recipe
    Cherry Tomato Salad
    Ripe juicy cherry tomatoes soak up the flavors of our garlic and oregano infused oil. This easy summer tomato is a great side dish for BBQs and picnics. Dairy-free and gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    cherry tomatoes with salad dressing in bowl

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

    📖 Recipe

    blackened cod in a cast iron skillet

    Blackened Cod

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Easy blackened cod recipe using homemade or store-bought seasoning.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Cajun, Southern
    Servings 4
    Calories 155 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Fish spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 6-ounce cod fillets
    • ¼ cup blackening seasoning
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

    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.
      cod with cajun seasoning on sheet pan
    • 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.
      cod in cast iron skillet
    • 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.
      cod cooking in skillet

    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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 8g
    Keyword blackened cod, blackened fish, how to balcken fish
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!
    « Pork Chop Skillet Dinner with Spinach and White Beans
    Homemade Blackening Seasoning »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    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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    picture of Jen

    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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