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Easy Blackened Cod

This Easy Blackened Cod recipe is a healthy fish recipe that is packed full of flavor. The cod filets are coated in my blackened cod seasoning before being sautéed quickly in a hot skillet. I like to serve the cod with a sweet pineapple salsa and rice. You will love this easy cod recipe for those busy nights!

Easy Blackened Cod recipe with pineapple salsa

There is something so good about blackening seasoning and seafood. Today’s Easy Blackened Cod recipe is one I make a lot for my family.

I love pairing it with a sweet pineapple salsa and serve it with white rice for a nice bowl option. This cod would also work great in fish tacos or on its own with a side salad.

There is a restaurant in town that is a fusion of Italian food and Cajun food and a lot of their dishes use a blackening seasoning. I often order their blackened seafood and knew I had to recreate it at home.

I just love the hint of spice and warm, rich flavors in the spice mix.

Today’s cod recipe can be on your table in under 20 minutes, making it a great weeknight option when you need a quick meal.

If you like blackened seasoning I also have this Easy Blackened Tilapia Fish recipe.

Easy Blackened Cod recipe on white platter

Why You’ll Love This Easy Blackened Cod Recipe

Blackened cod originates in Cajun cuisine, where the fish is coated in a blackened seasoning. This seasoning is a blend of dry spices, which, once cooked, turn a dark brown. The seasoning chars a little and seals in the flavor of the fish, whilst keeping it moist.

My easy blackened cod recipe is the perfect quick and easy dinner on a busy weeknight, and can be cooked and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Here are more reasons it’s a must-try dish:

  • Easy Preparation: This cod is really simple to make. After you make your spice mix and prepare the cod you will quickly heat it in a skillet. I also offer an optional pineapple salsa recipe that is optional.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Cod not only tastes great, but it’s a lean fish that is high in protein and rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  • Versatile Recipe: It’s worth mentioning that the blackened cod seasoning would work equally well with other fish, seafood, meat and poultry.

Cod is a great fish to cook with, if you’re a fan then try my Baked Cod with Lemon, Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod, or Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod recipes.

Easy Blackened Cod recipe ingredients

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Blackened Cod:

  • Cod: I use 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of cod fish fillets, which I cut into 4 filets.
  • Oil: I sauté the fish in both olive oil and butter which adds great flavor to the fish.
  • Lemon: I garnish the dish with wedges of fresh lemon, you could also use lime wedges.
  • Fresh Herbs: I garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, you could also use parsley.

For the Blackened Cod Seasoning

  • Ground Spices: I use a combination of the following spices in the spice mixture. Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Seasoning: I add some sea salt to the seasoning blend.
  • Sugar: A little brown sugar adds just a touch of sweetness to the blackened seasoning.
  • Dried Herbs: I use a combination of dried thyme, basil, parsley and oregano.

For the Pineapple Salsa

  • Fruit: I use both fresh pineapple and mango in the salsa, along with some freshly squeezed lime juice for flavor.
  • Onion: I like to use mild red onion in the salsa, you could also use shallots.
  • Fresh Herbs: I add freshly chopped cilantro for flavor, you could also use parsley.
  • Seasoning: I season the salsa with sea salt and cayenne red pepper.

For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below. 

Easy Blackened Cod recipe with fork

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt:

  • Fish: I’ve used cod, but this recipe would work equally well with other fish and seafood. Try the blackened seasoning with salmon, tuna, swordfish, mahi mahi, snapper, grouper or shrimp.
  • Salsa: I’ve opted for a pineapple salsa, but the cod works with any fresh salsa. Try my Pico de galloAvocado Tomatillo Salsa ,Tomatillo SalsaEasy Watermelon Salsa, or Cowboy Caviar.
  • Healthier version: Cook the cod in extra olive oil and leave out the butter entirely.
  • Low-Carb: Serve the cod over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pairing it with rice.

How to Make Easy Blackened Cod

Step 1: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

In a medium bowl mix together the blackening seasoning: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, cayenne red pepper, thyme, basil, parsley and oregano and mix well. Set aside. 

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa

In another medium mixing bowl combine the pineapple, mango, cilantro, red onion, lime juice and cayenne red pepper and mix well. Taste and add salt as needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cod

Use paper towels and pat dry each piece of cod of any excess moisture. Using a pastry brush or your hands rub each piece of cod with the olive oil on both sides and place on a large plate. 

Sprinkle the cod with the spice rub on all sides of the cod making sure to evenly coat the cod. Gently press the seasoning on the cod filets to make sure the coating sticks to the fish to create a blackened crust.

Step 4: Cook the Cod

Heat a large skillet or cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the butter and heat until shimmering. Add the cod to the skillet and let the cod sit in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes {you want the bottom to start to blacken}. 

Using a spatula or tongs carefully flip over the fish and cook another 1 to 3 minutes {depends on the thickness of the fish}. Internal temp should reach 145 degrees F and you have a flaky white fish.

Step 5: Serve the Cod

Remove and serve with lime or lemon wedges, white rice, fresh cilantro and pineapple salsa.

Easy Blackened Cod recipe on a white platte r

Expert Tips for Perfect Blackened Cod

  • When buying cod, look for chunky fish filets which will hold their shape best when cooked.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer. Cook the cod to 145°F for a perfect, flaky texture. Keep in mind you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your cod filets.
  • Choose high-quality cod and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
  • When you are blackening a fish, I recommend using a hot cast-iron skillet for the best crust.
  • Double the batch of blackened cod seasoning. Use one portion to coat the cod in this recipe and store the rest in a jar with a tight fitting lid, at room temperature, for up to 1 month.

Leftover Ideas

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the blackened cod and pineapple salsa can be used in other dishes.

  • Blackened Cod Tacos: Both the blackened cod and pineapple salsa can be used in tacos, served with some guacamole, crispy lettuce and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Blackened Cod Wraps: Spread hummus or tzatziki on a whole-grain wrap, add the leftover cod and salsa, and pile on some fresh veggies like spinach, red onions, and shredded carrots.
  • Salad: Flake the cod over a bed of greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. Add a handful of chickpeas or some croutons for extra texture.
Easy Blackened Cod on a white plate with fork

Recipe FAQs

What does blackened mean on fish?

When you see the term “blackened” on a recipe, it is referring to the Cajun cooking term to add a blackened seasoning to food, such as fish, seafood, meat or poultry. The term blackened does not mean burnt, although the seasoning will take on a dark color once cooked.

Is black cod the same as blackened cod?

No black cod is a type of fish popular in Japanese cooking. Whereas blackened cod is the term used when blackened seasoning is used to flavor a piece of cod.

Is blackened fish healthy?

Yes, this is a healthy recipe. Cod is a lean protein, rich in a variety of different vitamins and minerals. The cod is coated in a dry seasoning rub, or blackened seasoning as it’s known, before being quickly cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the blackened seasoning and the pineapple salsa ahead of time and set aside until you are ready to cook (ensure you store the salsa in the fridge, but leave the seasoning on the countertop). However, the cod is best cooked fresh when you are ready to eat, as reheating fish can lead to overcooking and the fish becoming dry.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

This fish would be great in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F then cook tilapia for 10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking.

Easy Blackened Cod on a plate

Serving Tips

This is a richly flavored dish, which is elevated with the fresh and zingy pineapple salsa. So, when it comes to sides, I like to keep it simple. Here are some of my favorite sides that would work well with this cod recipe.

Storage Tips

Store cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm leftovers in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes to prevent drying out.

To freeze, wrap cooled cod in parchment or wax paper, place in a ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The pineapple salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

More Fish Recipes

If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!

Easy Blackened Cod 1200 x 1200

Easy Blackened Cod

This Easy Blackened Cod recipe is a healthy fish recipe that is packed full of flavor. The cod filets are coated in my blackened cod seasoning before being sautéed quickly in a hot skillet. I like to serve the cod with a sweet pineapple salsa and rice. You will love this easy cod recipe for those busy nights!
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Print Pin
Course: Main Course, seafood
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: blackened fish recipes, Cajun recipe, cod, pineapple salsa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4
4

Ingredients

Cod

  • 1-1.5 pounds cod, cut into 4 filets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • blackened seasoning, see below
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges, or use lime wedges
  • freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • white rice, for serving
  • pineapple salsa, see below

Blackened Cod Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Pineapple Salsa

  • 2 cups pineapple, diced
  • 1 cup mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl mix together the blackening seasoning: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, cayenne red pepper, thyme, basil, parsley and oregano and mix well. Set aside.
  • In another medium mixing bowl combine the pineapple, mango, cilantro, red onion, lime juice and cayenne red pepper and mix well. Taste and add salt as needed. Set aside.
  • Use paper towel and pat dry each piece of cod of any excess moisture.
  • Using a pastry brush or your hands rub each piece of cod with the olive oil on both sides and place on a large plate.
  • Sprinkle the cod with the blackening seasoning on all sides of the cod making sure to evenly coat the cod. Gently press the seasoning on the cod filets to make sure the coating sticks to the fish.
  • Heat a large skillet or cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the butter and heat until shimmering.
  • Add the cod to the skillet and let the cod sit in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes {you want the bottom to start to blacken}.
  • Using a spatula or tongs carefully flip over the fish and cook another 1 to 3 minutes {depends on the thickness of the fish}.
  • Use a thermometer to check the center of the fish fillets. The internal temp should reach 145 degrees F and the fish should be flaking.
  • Remove and serve with lime or lemon wedges, white rice, fresh cilantro and pineapple salsa.

Notes

Storage Tips

Store cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm leftovers in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes to prevent drying out.
To freeze, wrap cooled cod in parchment or wax paper, place in a ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The pineapple salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

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