Description
Seafood enthusiasts will adore this blackened cod, combining zesty Cajun spices with delicate fish for a quick, mouthwatering dinner. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors come together seamlessly, ensuring you savor every perfectly seared, flaky bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a robust spice blend by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a compact mixing vessel.
- Thoroughly desiccate cod fillets using absorbent paper, ensuring optimal surface dryness for enhanced crispiness.
- Lavishly coat fish with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage on both exterior surfaces.
- Generously dust fillets with prepared spice mixture, pressing seasonings gently to create an even, adherent crust.
- Position a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high thermal intensity.
- Introduce a minimal quantity of culinary oil, allowing pan to reach optimal searing temperature.
- Carefully position seasoned cod fillets into heated skillet, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces.
- Cook fish approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring thickness and color transformation until exterior becomes deeply caramelized and interior flakes effortlessly.
- Remove from heat and embellish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Accent with vibrant citrus juice from fresh lemon segments.
- Accompany with complementary side dishes such as fluffy rice, quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, or crisp green salad.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper, reducing or omitting it for milder palates or adding more for spice lovers.
- Use alternative fish like salmon, halibut, or tilapia if cod isn’t available, maintaining similar cooking times and seasoning techniques.
- Choose a cast iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and achieving that perfect crispy exterior, but a non-stick pan works as a backup option.
- Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg