Sizzling Blackened Cod Recipe: One Pan Magic for Crispy Perfection

Seafood enthusiasts adore this quick blackened cod recipe that sizzles with bold, spicy flavors.

Perfectly seasoned cod creates an incredible meal in one pan with minimal cleanup.

The intense spice blend coats tender fish, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Fresh cod fillets absorb the robust seasonings, developing a delectable golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of heat and delicate fish texture.

This simple yet impressive dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet celebration.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight cooking with this mouthwatering seafood sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for One Pan Blackened Cod

• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky flavor and rich reddish color to the spice blend.
• Garlic Powder: Provides robust, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic's moisture.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet and savory undertones to enhance overall seasoning.
• Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes that complement the fish's delicate texture.
• Oregano: Brings a slightly bitter, pungent flavor that balances the spice mix.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers optional heat and vibrant kick to the seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming spiciness and subtle complexity.
• Salt: Amplifies and unifies all the spice flavors.

• Cod Fillets: Mild, tender white fish that absorbs seasonings beautifully and cooks quickly.
• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to fish and promotes even, crispy browning.

• Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh herbal finish and visual appeal.
• Lemon: Provides zesty, acidic contrast to rich, spicy fish.

Tools for Cooking Blackened Cod

• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for creating that delicious blackened crust on the cod with even heat distribution.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all the spices and creating the blackened seasoning mix.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting the cod fillets dry to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly coating the fish with olive oil before adding the seasoning.
• Fork: Handy for checking if the fish is cooked and flakes easily.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring the spices for the seasoning blend.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing the fish and any garnishes.

Blackened Cod Cooking Steps That Work Every Time

• Whip Up Blackening Spice Blend

Combine smoky spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.

• Prepare Cod Fillets

Gently pat cod dry with paper towels to ensure crispy exterior.

• Season Fish Generously

Brush cod with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with spice mixture.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat cast iron pan over medium-high heat, adding a touch of oil.

• Sear Fish to Perfection

Drop cod into hot pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns deep brown and fish flakes easily.

• Add Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and squeeze lemon juice over fish.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or crisp green salad.

Tips to Add Heat and Flavor to Blackened Cod

• Flavor Boost: Add extra depth by toasting the spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing the blackening seasoning, releasing their intense aromatics.
• Heat Control: Use a cast-iron skillet for most even heat distribution and perfect blackening, creating a crispy exterior without burning the delicate cod.
• Dietary Swap: Replace cod with other firm white fish like halibut, tilapia, or mahi-mahi for similar texture and cooking performance while maintaining the bold spice profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the blackened fish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains for a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.
• Spice Sensitivity: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder version that's kid-friendly and suitable for those with lower heat tolerance, while keeping the rich seasoning blend intact.

Serve Blackened Cod with Fresh Sides

• Perfect Plate Pals: Fresh Green Salad with Zesty Citrus Dressing: Crisp mixed greens tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette complement the bold, spicy flavors of the blackened cod and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Caribbean Rice Sidekick: Coconut-infused rice with a hint of lime creates a tropical backdrop that beautifully balances the fish's smoky, intense seasoning and adds a creamy texture to the meal.
• Roasted Veggie Rainbow: Colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus bring vibrant nutrition and caramelized edges that echo the blackened cod's rich, charred exterior while adding nutritional depth to the plate.
• Quick Herb Drizzle: A quick sauce made from chopped fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy fish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Keeping One Pan Cod Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container, placing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain texture.
• Reheating Method: Warm cod slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil, or use the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent moisture loss and tough texture.
• Meal Prep Tip: Prepare seasoning mix in advance and store in a sealed jar for quick weeknight meals. Chop garnish herbs ahead of time and keep in a damp paper towel inside a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Crispy One Pan Blackened Cod Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable blackened cod from Louisiana brings bold Cajun flavors to seafood lovers’ plates. Spicy seasonings create a crispy exterior while keeping fish tender and flavorful. Quick preparation ensures you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 2 tbsps olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Craft a potent spice blend by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Fish Preparation: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels, creating an ideal surface for crispy blackening; coat thoroughly with olive oil.
3. Seasoning Application: Generously dust fillets with prepared spice mixture, pressing seasonings firmly to create an even, robust crust that will caramelize during cooking.
4. Skillet Heating: Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent sticking and facilitate perfect searing.
5. Cooking Process: Gently place seasoned cod into hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until exterior develops a deep, rich caramelized crust and fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove cod from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets for a bright, zesty flavor enhancement.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate alongside complementary sides like fluffy rice, quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Coating: Press spices gently but firmly into cod to create a thick, even layer that maximizes flavor intensity and ensures complete seasoning coverage.
• Moisture Management: Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to guarantee a crispy, perfectly caramelized exterior that prevents steaming and promotes beautiful golden-brown coloration.
• Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat and cast iron skillet for ideal searing, allowing fish to develop a rich, dark crust without burning or overcooking delicate protein.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap cayenne for milder spices if reducing heat; substitute cod with firm white fish like halibut or sea bass for varied protein options; use gluten-free seasonings for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg