Ingredients
Scale
4-6 oz cod fillets
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons Blackened Seasoning (or store-bought Cajun Seasoning)
1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter. Combine Cajun seasoning and sugar on a small plate. Dip top of cod fillets in melted butter, then dredge in blackening seasoning.
- Preheat cast iron skillet over medium high. When the pan is hot, add in cod fillets, seasoning side down. Lightly season the second side. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the fillets are about 70% cooked through and the seasoning is deeply browned. Flip fillets gently and sear for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve with lemon wedges and Homemade Tartar Sauce or Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep your hood vent on high - some smoke is normal and means you're doing it right!
- Don't move the fish for the first 3 minutes to allow the crust to develop
- If your fillets are very thick, lower heat slightly after the initial sear
- Blackening fish depends on the milk solids in the butter to accelerate the "blackening" process. So while you can use oil instead of butter in the recipe, you'll miss out a bit on the authentic flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
Transfer leftover fish fillets to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While best fresh, leftover blackened cod is delicious:
- In fish tacos with slaw
- Alongside Mediterranean rice and roasted vegetables
- Over crispy grit cakes or polenta
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American, Cajun