This blackened cod recipe combines a bold smoky blackened seasoning with firm but flakey and mild cod fish, pan seared to perfection! Perfect for blackened cod tacos or served up with some roasted vegetables.

Cod is a delicious and mild tasting fish with a large flakey texture, but still firm and meaty. It holds up well to bold spices and many different cooking preparations, my favorite being blackened. I am going to go out on a limb and say that this fish is one of the most underutilized seafood options. It doesn’t seem to be as prevalent as its famous fish counterparts like salmon or tuna. So, we are going to change that folks!
Why this recipe works
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this easy dinner recipe in less than 15 minutes! This blackened cod is delicious in blacked cod tacos or simply served up with a side of rice, quinoa and vegetables! My favorite sides are my Best Roasted Asparagus and Whole30 Mashed Potatoes.
- Delicious Flavor: It is super easy to make homemade blackened seasoning and the bold and vibrant flavor highlights this delicious flakey blackened cod.
- Healthy: Cod is a super healthy, protein packed white fish that is low in calories and works well in many recipe preparations. If you are looking for other healthy seafood recipes, you will love my Easy Baked Salmon.
Ingredients for this recipe
Blackened Cod
- Cod: I order my Cod online through Wild Alaskan Company. Their cod filets are pre-portioned, vacuum sealed and always fresh and delicious!
- Oil: Any high heat oil will work. For example: vegetable or canola oil.
Blackened Seasoning
- Smoked or sweet paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
If you don’t want to make homemade blackened seasoning, there are many blackened seasoning options online and at your local grocery store, so don’t be afraid to skip this step. Trust me, your blackened cod will still turn out delicious!
How to make blackened fish
Blackened Cod
- Dry each cod filet with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub each cod filet with about 1 teaspoon oil.
- Evenly sprinkle blackened seasoning on all side of cod filet. You can use your hands to be sure blackened seasoning is coating all sides of the cod.
- Pour remaining oil into sauté pan and heat to medium high.
- Once oil is hot, plate your cod filets into the saute pan.
- Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes or until cod fish is thoroughly cooked through.
You can also make blackened cod on the grill or baked blackened cod in the oven. Simply use the same blackening seasoning and pop on the grill or oven. You can also use different fish with this blackened spice. Blacked salmon, blacked catfish or blackened mahi are all great options.
Blackened Seasoning
For this blackened cod recipe, thoroughly mix smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, brown sugar, cayenne, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme to create blackened seasoning. Store any unused portion in an airtight jar.
Can I buy cod online?
If you want to order seafood online from my favorite seafood company, you can click on any of my links in this post to receive $15 off your first order at Wild Alaskan Seafood Company!
In my opinion, their fish was fresh and delicious! It is also sustainably harvested, responsibly sourced and they offer wide variety of different fish, including salmon (sockeye and coho) and various whitefish, such as cod, halibut and pollock.
First, I want to fully disclose that this post contains affiliate links. However, my top priority to my readers is that they know they can trust my recommendations when I make them. For that reason, I only recommend products that I LOVE and always conduct my own independent research before I recommend any products or services. These opinions are solely my own.
FAQ and expert tips
Blackened fish is a cooking technique using a spice blend and cooking the fish in a high heat pan to create a delicious blackened fish crust.
Blackened seasoning can be very similar to Cajun seasoning. There is overlap of many spices in both recipes with Cajun tending to be spicier.
Cod is a very mild tasting fish with a firm and meaty, yet still flakey texture.
Looking for other delicious fish recipes?
If you loved baked salmon, you will love Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pistachio Crusted Salmon.
If you love sushi and sashimi, definitely check out my Tataki Salmon and Yellowtail Sashimi!
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Blackened Cod
Equipment
Ingredients
Blackened Cod
- 2 6 oz filet cod
- 2 tablespoon oil
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
Blackened Seasoning
- Thoroughly mix smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, brown sugar, cayenne, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme to create blackened seasoning. Store any unused portion in an airtight jar.
Blackened Cod
- Dry each cod filet with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub each cod filet with about 1 teaspoon oil.
- Evenly sprinkle blackened seasoning on all side of cod filet. You can use your hands to be sure blackened seasoning is coating all sides of the cod.
- Pour remaining oil into sauté pan and heat to medium high.
- Once oil is hot, plate your cod filets into the saute pan.
- Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes or until cod fish is thoroughly cooked through.


Marilyn H
Wouldn’t use any other recipe. Also works to bake at 400 for 14 min ๐ฅฐ
Aubrey
Thanks Marilyn! So happy you enjoyed!
Hope M
This recipe looks amazing! Iโm going to try it later today. Can you please confirm the grams of protein- the nutritional contents says 1 but that canโt be correct.
Aubrey
Thanks so much! I will take a look at that. As far as protein, I would calculate based on the weight (oz) of cod you are cooking. Let me know how the recipe turns out for you!
Kathy
This is a great recipe that’s full of flavor and so easy to make. I made a double batch of the blackened seasoning so its one less thing to prepare (even though the recipe was simple). So delicious!! We are going to try some of Aubrey’s other recipes!
Aubrey
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed! If you like fish recipes, you might also enjoy our pistachio crusted salmon recipe. Itโs one of my favorites. ๐
Susan C
This is a delicious recipe. Made it twice now and I believe itโs a keeper.
Aubrey
So happy you enjoyed!
Nan G
This works great with any white fish (or salmon). I too get all my fish from Wild Alaskan. Always top quality which is a must when talking fish. I served this last night with long cod and a home made mango pineapple salsa. The sweet salsa pairs perfectly with the heat of the blackening.
Aubrey
Thanks Nan! So happy you enjoyed. I agree on the spicy mango salsa! Here is our mango habanero salsa: https://aubreyskitchen.com/mango-habanero-salsa/
JP
Delicious! I put the cod in the air fryer with a spritz if avocado oil. So good!
Kathleen
Excellent seasoning. We grilled our fish with some veggies and it was so delicious! We will definitely make it again. Thank you for the recipe.
Debbie
Best fish I ever cooked!
Aubrey
Thanks Debbie! So happy to hear!