Blackened Cod Recipe (Ready in 20 minutes!)

Cajun cod is a must when it comes to tasty, stress-free, and well-seasoned fish recipes. However, if you’re craving other simple seafood meals, there are tons of other easy fish dinners to try on this website! My zesty Baked Sockeye Salmon uses only a handful of pantry-ready ingredients to fill your table with brilliant color and buttery taste. Or, try out my Baked Breaded Fish for a crispy, garlicky meal guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.

Blackened cod placed on a dish with lemon wedges on the side.

Ingredients
How to Make Blackened Cod?
Other Ways to Cook Blackened Cod
How to Store and Reheat?
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
FAQs
Other Seafood Recipes You Might Also Like
Blackened Cod Recipe

Ingredients

This blackened cod recipe only needs a few simple, all-natural ingredients to get its mouthwateringly smoky, bold taste—no trip to the grocery store is necessary!

Cod: The best codfish recipe begins with quality white fish fillets. This recipe will work with a range of cod varieties, including Alaskan cod, Pacific cod, and black cod (also known as sablefish)—all of which have a deliciously mild, sweet taste. Furthermore, I also tested this recipe using both fresh and frozen cod. Though I recommend preparing this recipe with fresh fish for maximum flavor, you may use frozen fillets. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Olive oil: I used olive oil in this recipe to ensure my cod developed a rich, seared exterior without burning. However, any oil with a high smoke point—such as avocado oil, canola oil, and clarified butter—will also work.
Unsalted butter: Salted butter would also work, but if use salted butter, be sure to adjust the seasoning.
Lemon: Lemon makes a perfect pair with this healthy cod dinner. Serve a few wedges as garnish alongside your blackened cod, and your tastebuds will light up with zesty flavors.
Fresh parsley: Though optional, fresh and colorful parsley makes the ultimate garnish for these cod fish fillets.

Seasoning for Cod Fish

In my opinion, the best seasoning for cod fish is an authentic Cajun blackened seasoning. While you can buy this blend from the store, you can also put your spice cabinet to good use by following my simple blackened seasoning recipe.

Cod fish seasoning spices on a plate with text on each spice.

To make a homemade blackening blend, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Paprika: Paprika is a surefire way to give your codfish deliciously peppery, sweet flavors. However, you may also use smoked paprika to lend your recipe extra deep, smoky undertones.
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Dried thyme
Ground black pepper
Kosher salt: Feel free to adjust how much salt you add to your cod spices based on your preference (or if you’re following a low-sodium diet!).

To give your blend a kick of spice and a more robust Cajun profile, I recommend adding ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to your cod fish seasoning.

Alternatively, you may add a teaspoon of brown sugar to your seasoning blend for a sweeter, more caramelized taste.

How to Make Blackened Cod?

It takes less than half an hour to prepare this healthy cod recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can make a recipe for blackened cod that will impress even the biggest seafood fans.

A collage of images showing how to prepare blackened cod for cooking.

Prepare the cod seasoning: In a small bowl or mason jar, mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, and Kosher salt. Break up any clumps of seasoning that form, and set the mixture aside.
Dry the cod: Use a paper towel to pat dry the cod filets on all sides.
Brush fish with olive oil: Brush all the sides of the cod with olive oil.
Season the cod fillets: Evenly sprinkle the blackened seasoning on all the cod’s sides. Gently press the seasoning onto the fish’s flesh to keep it from falling off during the cooking process.

Seasoned cod being cooked in a cast iron skillet.

Add the fish to the skillet: Set the stove to medium-high heat and melt the butter in a large skillet. Once the butter melts and the skillet is hot, gently add the seasoned cod. If the skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all of your filets, sear the fish in two batches, using one tablespoon of butter for every two pieces of cod.
Flip the cod: Cook the cod for 2-3 minutes without moving the fillets. Then, use a thin spatula to flip the fish and cook for another two minutes. When finished cooking, the cod should flake easily. If they don’t, continue sealing the blackened fish in 30-second intervals until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Serve: Garnish the seared blackened cod with chopped parsley and serve it with lemon wedges on the side.

Other Ways to Cook Blackened Cod

Don’t want to cook your blackened cod fillets in a skillet? Below, you’ll find three other simple ways to cook cod, giving you tender, flavorful seafood every time.

In the oven: To make baked blackened cod, begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—no butter needed. Then, lay your seasoned fillets on top of the baking tray and bake without flipping them for 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Alternatively, you can increase air circulation and add extra citrusy flavor by baking your cod fish on top of two slices of lemon.
On the grill: To grill your blackened cod filets, first preheat your gas grill to medium heat. Once hot, clean the grates and oil them generously with a wad of oil-soaked paper towels. Finally, add your seasoned fish to the grill and cook the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side—until their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. (For more in-depth tips on grilling seafood, my recipe for Grilled Mahi Mahi has everything you need to prepare exquisitely seasoned, smoky fish.)
In the air fryer: To make blackened cod in the air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Then, cook your fish for 8-10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I also recommend checking your cod halfway through the air frying process, as this total time may vary depending on the thickness of your filets. For example, if your filets are thinner, too much time in the air fryer may dry out the meat, resulting in rubbery, tough flesh.

How to Store and Reheat?

Once you make this easy cod fish recipe, you won’t want a single bite to go to waste. With these expert storage tips, you can enjoy your leftovers as a tasty dinner, a light lunch, or even a protein-packed snack.

Storage: Though this healthy cod fish recipe tastes best on the day you prepare it, you may store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to let the fillets reach room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
To reheat: When reheating your blackened cod, first preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then, place the fish on a sheet of precut parchment paper or aluminum foil, sprinkle it with a few drops of water, and loosely wrap it. Place the blackened cod in the oven for ten minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re at a loss for what to make with cod fish, these expert serving tips will give you a five-star meal without any extra hassle. This light seafood dish will be your new go-to with these gourmet pairings.

Baked blackened cod served with rice and roasted vegetables on a plate.

Cod and rice: My favorite way to serve this rich cod recipe is with a side of tender brown jasmine rice and savory caramelized Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. Not only is this pair expertly balanced, but it also gives every plate an immaculate presentation.
Make it into tacos: Cod fish tacos are a tasty way to transform simple fish recipes into a fun weeknight meal. This bold Cajun fish recipe tastes out of this world when served with corn tortillas and topped with tasty, fan-favorite sides. Guacamole, pickled onions, and cherry tomato salsa (or your favorite pico de gallo!) are just a few of my go-to’s. However, you can even top your spread with cilantro and a squeeze of zesty lime juice for even brighter flavors.
Fruit salsa: No one can resist the sweet-and-spicy blend of blackened cod topped with mango salsa. My Pineapple Mango Salsa offers fruity, tropical overtones, while Mango Habañero Salsa has a delicious kick of spice perfect for spice lovers. Or, if you want to add a few juicy tomatoes to your sauce, my Peach Salsa strikes a delightful balance between tangy and fresh flavors.
With a big salad on the side: Looking for a lighter way to enjoy your blackened cod? Any of my hearty salads make a great option to round out your menu with garden-fresh tastes. Creamy and crisp, my No-Mayo Coleslaw and Mexican Corn Salad are excellent choices for those who love a salad with a little tang. Or, if you’re looking for a recipe filled with classic superfoods and full-bodied flavors, my Kale Avocado Salad and Brussels Sprout Kale Salad will disappear in minutes.
Starches: A great way to enjoy a filling, delicious meal is to whip up a hearty starch to pair with your blackened cod. My Rosemary Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with a creamy, decadent taste the whole family will love. Or, for something lighter, you can also balance your table with zesty, earthy undertones with delectable sides like my Lemon Quinoa and Wild Rice Pilaf.
Vegetable Side Dishes: You don’t need hours of prep time to enjoy a rich, savory dish loaded with nutrition. My Buttery Garlic Breen Beans and Sautéed Asparagus take less than 15 minutes to make, and will pack each bite with bold garlic, tender greens, and expert seasoning.

Expert Tips

When you use this easy recipe for cod fish, there’s no reason to stress. These pro tips will ensure your fillets are as tender, moist, and flavorful as possible—whether you cook your cod in a cast iron skillet or use frozen fillets.

Frozen cod: If you choose to use frozen cod fillets for this dish, it’s vital that you fully thaw them before beginning the recipe. Frozen fish won’t cook evenly, resulting in a burnt exterior and uncooked insides. Though your codfish doesn’t need to reach full room temperature before cooking, it shouldn’t have any remaining frozen areas before you begin preparation.
Coat fish with seasoning on all sides: The key to making this heartily flavored recipe is to season the cod fish thoroughly during prep. Be sure to coat every side of your fillets with the Cajun seasoning blend—not just the top and bottom—and gently press the spices into the meat before cooking. This way, each bite will have a taste of this recipe’s signature blackened crust.
Cooking time: Because there’s a direct correlation between fillet thickness and cook time, try to select equally sized cod fillets to ensure even cooking. Also, remember that—though this recipe has basic guidelines for cooking time—thicker fillets will need more time in the pan, while thinner filets will need less. To ensure you properly cook your fish, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. You can remove your fillets from the heat when they reach 145 degrees F.
Pat dry the fish: It’s essential that you use paper towels to thoroughly pat dry your cod fillets before seasoning them. Removing this excess moisture will help the blackened seasoning stick to the meat and give your fish a good sear when added to the pan.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you find that not all four fillets fit in the pan, it’s best to cook them in batches to keep the pan hot and ensure even searing. I recommend using one tablespoon of butter for every two fillets.
Well-seasoned pan: If you want to make pan-seared cod in a cast iron skillet, ensure the pan is well-seasoned, well-oiled, and super hot before adding your fish. This high heat will keep your cod from sticking to the pan, helping it naturally release from the skillet’s surface before flipping it with a thin spatula. However, a non-stick skillet will also work if you don’t have a cast-iron skillet on hand. You may also transform this dish into a low-calorie and low-fat cod recipe by substituting the butter for a little olive oil.
Avoid moving the fish: The best way to cook cod fish is by letting it sear undisturbed in the pan. Keeping the fish from moving will help develop a good crust and keep the delicate meat from breaking.
Check for doneness: An easy way to tell if your cod fish is ready is by performing the flake test. In other words, if the fish’s flesh flakes easily, it’s probably ready to remove from the heat. However, a foolproof method of ensuring doneness is by using a digital thermometer (affiliate link.) Your fish is ready to eat when its internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety: Because of its spicy and aromatic ingredients, blackened seasoning often produces smoke when exposed to high heat. To avoid respiratory irritation, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated before cooking, or consider cooking this recipe outdoors if you have a suitable burner.

FAQs

Want to know more about this delectable cod dinner? This simple guide will answer all your remaining questions, from what to season cod fish with to must-know kitchen terms.

What is the difference between grilled and blackened cod?

Though these terms often go hand-in-hand, their meanings are a little different. Grilling refers to a specific cooking process, while blackening refers to a particular spice mixture and coating method. Blackening seasoning is a smoky, savory Cajun blend that flavors various foods, including fish, chicken, and veggies.

Is cod good for blackening?

Absolutely! Cod’s naturally sweet, mild flavor expertly balances the smoky, spicy taste of blackened seasoning, resulting in a rich and bold seafood meal.

Other Seafood Recipes You Might Also Like

If you love this recipe for a perfectly seasoned cod dinner, you won’t believe how many other tasty seafood dishes there are to try. These other fresh fish recipes will satisfy your cravings for flavorful coastal eats.

If you try this seasoned cod recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Blackened Cod

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