How to Make Blackened Fish

Learn how to master the cooking technique of blackening fish for use in tacos, sandwiches, pasta and more! This blackened cod fish recipe is spicy, smoky, delicious, and versatile.

What’s in a blackening seasoning? 

Many blackened seasonings are a mile long, I wanted to keep things simple so I kept the spices to a bare minimum. Here is what you’ll need for this recipe: 

• sweet paprika (or smoked paprika, or a combo!)
• ground cumin
• dried oregano (I prefer Mexican)
• ground black pepper
• kosher salt 
• cayenne pepper

Other classic blackening spices include: 

• garlic powder
• onion powder
• dried basil
• dried thyme 

If you don’t want to go to the effort of mixing up your own blackening seasoning, you can use a Cajun seasoning blend or chili powder. Most chili powders should have ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, among other spices. If you so use chili powder, be sure to add some regular or smoked paprika if you have it. 

How to Cook Blackened Fish

1. The first thing I like to do is arrange the fish fillets on a paper-towel lined plate. This way the fish can start to dry out a bit before I coat it in the spice mixture. 
2. The second step is to mix together the spices in a shallow dish and coat each cod fillet in the spice blend, rubbing it in as needed. 
3. Next, it’s time to heat up a nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. (I like to preheat the pan first, then add the oil to avoid smoking out my kitchen.)
4. Once the pan is hot, add the oil. Heat the oil just until shimmering, then swirl to coat the pan and add the fish; cook until blackened on both sides, about 3–4 minutes on each side.

The thing to keep in mind when cooking blackened fish—the process is quick! Don’t leave it alone, 4 minutes per side is all this fish needs! 

Another thing to consider, cook time largely depends on how thick your fillets are. My fillets were 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. If you have thinner fillets, drop the cooking time down by a minute or more.

What Kind of Pan to Use for Blackening Fish

When cooking blackened fish of any kind, I prefer to use a cast-iron skillet because of how evenly it retains heat and how it creates a beautiful crust. If you don’t have one, you can also use a large nonstick skillet. 

How to Grill Blackened Fish

Fire up the grill for an even smokier blackened fish! 

Charcoal: 

1. Prepare a two-zone indirect fire. Brush grill grate clean then brush grate with oil.
2. Place cod fish fillets on the hot side of the grill; cook until blackened and a thin fish spatula easily slides underneath the fillets, about 4 minutes. Flip and repeat cooking process on second side.
3. Transfer fillets to the cool side of the grill and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 140ºF. 

Gas:

1. Heat a grill over medium-high. 
2. Brush grill grate clean then brush grate with oil. Place cod fish fillets on the grill grate and cook until blackened and a thin fish spatula easily slides underneath the fillets, about 4 minutes. Flip and repeat cooking process on second side.
3. Decrease heat to medium-low and continue to cook the fillets until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 140ºF. 

How To Know If The Fish is Done

The easiest and most efficient way to know if your fish is done is to check the internal temperature with a thermometer. One of my favorite kitchen gadgets is my instant-read thermometer, I use it for everything, but especially when cooking fish! 

According to the USDA, fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145ºF. I like to pull my fish off the heat at 140ºF—the internal temperature will often increase to 145ºF as it rests, and this helps to ensure it won’t be overcooked. 

If you don’t have a thermometer, the fish should feel slightly firm to touch and should flake easily with a fork. You’ll know the fish is done when the last trace of translucence in the center is starting to disappear.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Fish?

Of course! You don’t have to use cod. 

In general, I prefer to use lean and firm white fish. For one thing, this kind of fish tends to hold up better during cooking than thinner white fish. And two, quite frankly, I like the flavor of firm white fish much better than thin watery white fish like tilapia. 

Lean, firm white fish includes:

• Cod
• Mahi-mahi 
• Halibut 
• Grouper 
• Pollock
• Haddock
• Striped bass

If you aren’t into firm white fish, try our blackened salmon, it’s delicious!

How to Use Blackened Fish:

• Flake and serve in tacos, like these Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Sauce. Or try our Blackened Salmon and make Blackened Salmon Tacos.
• Make a fish sandwich! Serve on toasted buns with tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato. 
• Over angel hair pasta tossed with good extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest. 
• Over lime rice with mango salsa, pineapple salsa or peach salsa.
• Over herby grits. 
• Flake and serve in lettuce wraps with rice and cucumber. 
• Serve with succotash or maque choux.

You may also like these recipes…

• Crispy Pan Seared Salmon
• How to Sear Scallops
• Grilled Glazed Salmon
• Smoked Trout Salad

Like this guide on how to make blackened cod? Check out our archive of cooking tips!

Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or tag #zestfulkitchen on social media if you make a recipe! 

Don’t forget, if you make this blackened fish recipe, leave a comment and rating below!

To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can click the button on any of the photos, or the red button on the bar below the recipe. Happy cooking!

Print