Blackened Cod

Blackened cod is a 10 minute dinner that is full of spicy and lively flavors! The light flavors of the cod are complemented by an array of spices that will wake up your taste buds.

If you’ve got yourself a batch of blackening seasoning, this blackened cod recipe sounds like you’ve got dinner already figured out! Take this perfectly flakey and tender fish and season it with blackened seasoning for an extra flavorful dinner that even the pickiest eater will love! Seriously, if you aren’t a fan of fish, cod is a great introduction especially when you load it up with spices and herbs. You won’t be able to taste the fishiness that most folks are afraid of.

I’ve been trying to be more aware of my protein intake and cod actually has a great amount of protein to help meet my daily goal. It’s light in fat and virtually no carbs either so it’s honestly a really healthy way to get some extra protein in!

What is blackened cod?

Blackened anything is a technique used to cook a piece of meat or seafood that has been seasoned in a blackening seasoning. Usually after seasoning, the piece of meat or seafood is cooked in high heat on the stovetop or baked in an oven. The term “blackened” is a technique but also a visual description of what happens to the seasoning when it is cooked.

Why You’ll Love This

Beyond quick and easy. Armed with blackening seasoning and fresh cod filets, you are on your way to an easy 10-minute dinner. Busy week ahead? Get this on your menu!

Loads of flavor. The blackening seasoning gives this white fish loads of flavor. With spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic and onion powder and herbs like dried basil, thyme, and oregano, it is like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Tender, flakey, and fresh. Cod is such a light, tender, and flakey fish. It’s a great white fish to use for when you want bold flavors to be the highlight of the dish. My panko parmesan baked cod is one example of how you take a white fish and load it up with flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make blackened cod. Make sure to scroll down to view the full recipe for exact measurements.

• Olive oil
• Blackening seasoning – here is my homemade one!
• Cod fillets – this can be frozen or fresh. To be honest, frozen is actually better than the fish in the glass case at the seafood counter where it has likely been sitting for 1-2 days.

How To Cook Blackened Cod

Here is a general overview of the steps involved to make blackened cod. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Set oven and prepare baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Season cod fillets. Place cod fillets on top of parchment paper then drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top of the fillets. Generously season each fillet with blackening seasoning.

Bake. Bake cod for 10 minutes then remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to use another fish for this recipe, salmon would be a great alternative but salmon can have a more fishier taste. If you want a lighter fish, another white fish that would work in place of cod would be haddock.

If you want to go a completely different direction, blackened chicken is another great option!

Tips for Success

I have a few tips and tricks below to help you make the best blackened cod.

• Make a large batch of blackening seasoning. The blackening seasoning makes a decent amount, about 1.5 ounces so you can make extra and put it into a little glass jar and always have it on hand for a recipe like this or for Blackened Shrimp Bowls.
• Buy frozen cod and let it defrost in the refrigerator. I mentioned prior that buying frozen seafood is better than “fresh” seafood behind the glass at the seafood counter. What they have on display there is basically frozen seafood as well but they just let it defrost and sit on ice. They give the impression that it’s fresh so they can charge you more! Just buy it from frozen. A pack of it is much cheaper.
• Use high temperature. White fish like cod can handle high temperature, which is why it’s the fish of choice for Fish and Chips. Using high temperature for this recipe ensures that it’s cooked quickly and also thoroughly!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers, store it in covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake it at a low temperature to slowly warm it through so it won’t be too tough from reheating. Microwave reheating can work but it’ll just be tougher and not as good texture-wise.

What to Serve with Blackened Cod

There are many delicious side dishes to serve with blackened cod! Here are some ideas and my favorites to serve alongside seafood:

• Bacon Brussels Sprouts
• Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry
• Roasted Honeynut Squash
• Crazy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
• Roasted Delicata Squash