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
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Fish Preparation: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels, creating an ideal surface for crispy blackening; coat thoroughly with olive oil.
- Seasoning Application: Generously dust fillets with prepared spice mixture, pressing seasonings firmly to create an even, robust crust that will caramelize during cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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