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Easy Blackened Cod

Blackened cod fillets on a round, blue plate, served with sautéed spinach. Blackening seasoning in the bottom left corner with a spoon. Top left corner has a white napkin.

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Blackened cod is a quick and easy dinner recipe, made on the stovetop in under 15 minutes, using mostly pantry ingredients! The fish fillets are pan-seared and flavored with blackening seasoning blend. My blackening seasoning only has a pinch of cayenne pepper, making it mild enough to serve to the entire family. 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh cod fillets
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
  2. Make your blackening seasoning blend by mixing all of the herbs and spices together in a small bowl.  
  3. Lightly rub both sides of the cod with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil total.  
  4. Liberally season both sides of the cod fillets with the seasoning blend.  Use your fingers to really press the seasoning onto the cod fillets.  
  5. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet (or other nonstick skillet) over medium heat.  Place the cod fillets into the cast iron skillet, top side down.
  6. Blacken both sides of the fish fillets for 3-6 minutes per side.  Thinner portions of fillet will only need 3-4 minutes per side.  Thicker fillets will need 5-6 minutes per side.  Do not try to move the fillets around in the pan while they are cooking.  Use a metal spatula to gently flip the fillets.  Add more oil to your pan as needed.  
  7. The fish will be done cooking when it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F and is white and flaky on the inside.  
  8. Remove from the pan and serve immediately. 

Notes

  • You will have some seasoning blend left over.  Store leftover seasoning in a glass jar. 
  • The nutrition information shown below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.  It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. 

Nutrition