This Easy Blackened Cod Recipe is a simple, flavorful dish. Buttery cod coated in Cajun spices cooks quickly and stays moist — perfect for a busy weeknight. Prep takes about 5 minutes and cook time is roughly 10 minutes.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Extremely easy and fast to prepare.
- Pan-seared cod becomes tender and practically melts in your mouth.
- Versatile — serve it on its own, in tacos, or over a creamy slaw.
Blackened Cod Ingredients:
- Cod — 1 pound of firm white fish (fresh or thawed). Use high-quality cod for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter or ghee — about 1 tablespoon to pan-sear the fish and add richness.
Blackened Cod Seasoning
This blend gives the cod a classic Cajun kick without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Salt — essential to bring out the flavors.
- Chili powder & paprika — for warmth and color.
- Garlic powder & oregano — add savory depth.
- Cayenne (optional) — a small amount if you prefer extra heat.
How To Make Blackened Cod
- Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Dry fish sears better and helps the seasoning stick.
- Melt butter or ghee in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Combine the spices and evenly coat both sides of the cod fillets.
- Add the fillets to the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and reaches your preferred doneness.
- Remove from heat and rest briefly before serving.
What to Serve with Blackened Cod
- Blackened cod tacos — warm tortillas, a scoop of creamy slaw, and quick-pickled onions or vegetables make a bright, tasty taco.
- Serve over a bed of creamy slaw or alongside roasted vegetables and a lemon wedge for a light meal.
- Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great grain options that soak up the spices.
How to Reheat Cod
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes for best texture and crispness.
- Stovetop: Add about 1 tsp oil to a pan and pan-sear for 2–5 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through.
- When meal prepping, store the fish separately from sauces or slaws to keep it from becoming soggy.
More Easy Fish Recipes
- Frozen Shrimp In The Air Fryer
- Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Sheet Pan Meal
- Maple Crusted Salmon
- Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
If you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment. Your feedback helps others find the recipe. xoxo — Allianna
Blackened Cod
Course Meals
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Author Allianna Moximchalk
136kcal
Cost $8
Equipment
-
non-stick pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
For the blackened spice:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
-
Place the butter or ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat until melted. Mix the spices together and sprinkle evenly over the fish. Add the cod to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. Serve as-is, over slaw, or in tacos.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment — it helps others find it. xoxo — Allianna
Notes
Store the fish separately from wet sides when meal prepping. Reheat in an air fryer or on the stove for best texture.
Easy, quick, and full of flavor — a great go-to cod recipe.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 136kcal