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Best Blackened Cod Recipe

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4.3 from 79 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Best Blackened Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a flavorful homemade blackened seasoning blend and cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet to achieve a perfectly charred crust. Enhanced with a touch of honey and garnished with fresh herbs and citrus juice, this quick and easy stove-top dish delivers bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors ideal for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Blackened Seasoning

  • 1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)

To Cook

  • 4 firm cod fillets, about 5 oz (150 grams) each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Drizzle of honey (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
  • Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even blend of spices.
  2. Prepare the cod fillets: Pat each cod fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub each side of the fillets with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Optionally, drizzle a few drops of honey over the fillets and brush gently to add subtle sweetness.
  3. Coat the fish with seasoning: Evenly coat both sides of each cod fillet with the blackened seasoning mixture, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping. For best results, place fillets in a shallow bowl and sprinkle seasoning with a spoon, flipping to coat both sides and edges.
  4. Heat the skillet and cook the fish: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the fillets in the skillet and cook without moving for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spice rub to form a blackened crust.
  5. Flip and cook through: Carefully flip each fillet using a spatula and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the fish is opaque, flaky, and cooked through. Avoid flipping multiple times to prevent the fish from breaking.
  6. Serve: Serve the blackened cod warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking; the fillets cook quickly and are done when they flake easily with a fork.
  • Perform the fork test by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twisting gently to check for flakiness and opaque flesh.
  • Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  • Patting the cod fillets dry before seasoning is crucial to prevent steaming and to achieve a crispy blackened crust.
  • The optional honey drizzle adds a balanced sweetness that complements the smoky and spicy flavors.
  • Distribute seasoning evenly by coating fillets in a bowl and shaking off excess.
  • Avoid flipping the fish more than once to maintain fillet integrity.
  • Make a double or triple batch of blackened seasoning to have on hand for other proteins like salmon or grilled chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/best-blackened-cod-recipe/