If you're ready to spice up your dinner routine, you've gotta check out these five incredible blackened cod recipes. Cod is such a versatile fish, and when you blacken it, you bring out a smoky, spicy flavor that's totally irresistible. Whether you're in the mood for classic blackened cod or something a bit more adventurous, like tacos or a honey-lime twist, there's something here for everyone. Trust me, you won't want to miss these delicious ideas!
Classic Blackened Cod
Classic blackened cod is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the bold spices of Southern cooking to your kitchen. This recipe highlights the delicate texture of the cod while infusing it with a smoky, spicy crust that's both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with sides like rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by combining the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the blackening seasoning.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and generously coat both sides of each fillet with the seasoning mixture.
In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it's foamy and just beginning to brown.
Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a dark, crusty exterior.
Remove the cod from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Extra Tips:
When preparing blackened cod, it's essential to work with a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, as this helps achieve the perfect sear.
Make sure to use high-quality spices for the best flavor, and feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice tolerance.
For an even more robust flavor, marinate the cod in the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Finally, keep an eye on the heat; too high can cause the spices to burn, while too low will prevent that lovely crust from forming.
Enjoy your meal!
Cajun-Spiced Blackened Cod Tacos

Cajun-Spiced Blackened Cod Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional fish tacos, bursting with flavor and a touch of spice. The blackened seasoning gives the cod a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender and flaky on the inside.
Paired with fresh toppings like cabbage, avocado, and a zesty lime crema, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to indulge in a taste of the South with these delicious tacos!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by preheating a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
Once the skillet is hot, add the olive oil and carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is blackened and cooked through.
Remove the fish from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before flaking it into bite-sized pieces. While the fish is resting, warm the tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they're soft and pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the blackened cod on each tortilla, topping it with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema made by mixing sour cream and lime juice together.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, feel free to add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your tacos.
If you want to make the dish even lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the lime crema. Additionally, consider marinating the cod in lime juice and a bit of olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking to improve the flavor.
Finally, serving the tacos with fresh lime wedges and cilantro won't only raise the presentation but also add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the Cajun spices beautifully. Enjoy!
Blackened Cod With Avocado Salsa
Blackened cod with avocado salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the rich, spicy flavors of blackened seasoning with the creamy zestiness of avocado salsa. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, and it features a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
The cod fillets are seared to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while remaining tender and flaky inside. Topped with an invigorating avocado salsa, this dish will impress your family and friends while being simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and rub the blackened seasoning evenly onto both sides of each fillet.
Once the skillet is hot, add the olive oil and carefully place the seasoned cod into the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice char.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper to make the salsa. Once the cod is done, serve it hot topped with the fresh avocado salsa.
Extra Tips:
When preparing this dish, be sure to use fresh and ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture in your salsa. If you prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the amount of blackened seasoning to suit your palate.
Additionally, consider serving the blackened cod with a side of rice or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Finally, remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Enjoy your delicious blackened cod with avocado salsa!
Honey-Lime Blackened Cod

Honey-lime blackened cod is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of blackening spices with the sweetness of honey and the zesty brightness of lime. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
The combination of spices creates a crispy, flavorful crust on the cod, while the honey-lime glaze brings a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the entire taste of the fish. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
To make honey-lime blackened cod, start by mixing the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and brush them on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the fillets, pressing it gently into the fish.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit more olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned cod in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust.
While the cod is cooking, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl. Once the cod is done, drizzle the honey-lime mixture over the fillets before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, choose fresh cod fillets and make sure they're at room temperature before cooking. This helps to achieve an even cook and prevents the fish from sticking to the skillet.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also marinate the cod in the honey-lime mixture for about 30 minutes prior to cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Finally, consider serving the blackened cod with a side of lime wedges for an added zing!
Blackened Cod With Mango Salsa
Blackened cod with mango salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the richness of perfectly seasoned fish with the invigorating sweetness of fresh mango. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also showcases the wonderful contrast between the spicy, smoky cod and the bright, fruity salsa. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by mixing together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the blackening spice.
Rub this spice mixture generously over both sides of each cod fillet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's shimmering.
Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust.
While the cod cooks, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro in a separate bowl to make the mango salsa.
Once the cod is ready, serve it hot topped with the mango salsa.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the cod; this will guarantee a nice sear and prevent sticking.
If you prefer a milder salsa, you can omit the jalapeño or use a small amount of bell pepper instead.
Feel free to adjust the spices in the blackening mix to suit your taste, and don't hesitate to experiment with other fresh fruits for the salsa, such as pineapple or papaya, for a unique twist.
Enjoy your blackened cod with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal!