Broiled Cajun Blackened Cod : Cooking With Bliss

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This simple Broiled Blackened Cod recipe is my go-to when I need a quick, flavorful main dish. The cod fillets are generously coated in Cajun seasoning and lightly salted. For best results, broil the fish for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven, then finish it by spooning the flavorful pan juices over the top. Serve this restaurant-quality dish with your favorite sides for an easy weeknight dinner.

blackened cod on baking sheet with ingredients for salad.

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Ingredients You'll Need
Ingredient Notes
How to Make Broiled Blackened Cod
FAQs
Top Tips
More Seafood Recipes
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Pair this dish with a few of my favorite sides to create a truly memorable dinner. Think Sauteed Green Beans, Crispy Oven Roasted Broccolini or this Fresh Spring Mix Salad to keep things light, or these Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes, or Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes for the ultimate comfort without the guilt.

Ingredients You'll Need

After picking out fresh cod, you'll only need Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, butter (regular or clarified), and your fave cooking oil I prefer avocado or grape-seed oil. Check out the ingredient notes below to make this broiled Cajun Blackened Cod perfectly.

Ingredient Notes

For this recipe, fresh wild caught cod is recommended instead of frozen. When buying fresh cod, Whole Foods is usually my go-to. I find that the taste and texture is so much better compared to frozen.
Coat both sides of your cod with a generous amount of Cajun seasoning. I recommend that you do not skimp on the seasoning this will also give you the appearance of that beautiful deep dark color.
Feel free to use a pat of clarified or regular butter to create a slightly buttery sauce to finish the cod after broiling. The step is optional but really elevates the flavor.

How to Make Broiled Blackened Cod

This is another recipe that comes together really fast similar to this Lemon Garlic Broiled Salmon. So, make sure you have all your ingredients and side dishes ready. Here's how it goes:

Rinse the cod under cold water then pat dry with paper towels. Place it on a baking sheet, drizzle both sides with grape-seed or avocado oil, and rub it in.
Season both sides with kosher salt and generously coat with Cajun seasoning, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres to the surface of the fish.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper while seasoning for easier cleanup, but remove it before broiling.

cod seasoned with Cajun seasoning on parchment paper.

Set oven to broil and immediately place your cod under the broiler.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven or until the cod has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Your cod should appear a deep golden brown color.

Transfer the cod to a clean plate. Place the baking sheet over low heat on the stovetop, add a little butter, and let it melt. Stir in the remaining pan juices and seasoning, then pour the mixture over the cod before serving.
The pan juices give the cod a shiny, moist finish (see photo below) while enhancing its flavor.

FAQs

What goes well with blackened cod?

Fresh Spring Mix Salad, Simple Arugula Salad With Nectarines, Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes, Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe, Roasted Asparagus With Garlic, Crispy Oven Roasted Broccolini, Roasted Beets in Foil, to name a few.

Can you blackened fish without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, a heavy bottom skillet will work or placing the fish under a broiler.

Is blackened cod good?

Absolutely, cod is delicious. In terms of taste, it's not overpowering, in fact, it tastes mild with a tad bit of sweetness. Due to its mild taste, it's a great option for picky eaters or when first being introduced to fish.

However, if cod tastes or smell fishy, that's an indication that it isn't fresh and should be discarded.

What temperature do you broil fish?

Broiler temperatures may vary depending on your oven some can reach up to 550 degrees. When broiling, always check your food every couple of minutes until you get used to your broiler. Food can burn really fast if you're not paying attention.

Top Tips

Make sure your cod is completely dry by patting it thoroughly with paper towels to absorb excess moisture before adding oil, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt.
Generously coat the cod with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor.
Cod cooks quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it’s ready when the thickest part reaches 145°F. The cod should be moist and flake easily with a fork when it's done.
For best results, place the cod in the oven as soon as you set it to broil, allowing the temperature to rise gradually as it cooks.
Broiling is ideal for cod, as it keeps the fish intact compared to pan-frying, which can cause it to fall apart.
Whenever possible, opt for fresh cod over frozen. If fresh isn’t available, Whole Foods is a great option.

2 blackened cod fillets on baking sheet with pickled onions, lettuce, and cucumbers.

More Seafood Recipes

I’ve got a variety of seafood recipes that are just as flavorful and easy to make. Whether you’re craving tender salmon, flaky white fish, or succulent shrimp, these recipes are flavorful.

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