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    You Are Here: Home → Seafood

    Blackened Cod

    June 16, 2022 | Updated July 5, 2022 by Ryan 12 Comments

    9753 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This blackened cod with a fresh corn mango salsa is loaded with flavor and can be prepared in under 10 minutes.

    blacked cod with corn mango salsa on plate

    When it comes to quick and healthy meals, fish is one of the first to come to mind - from tandoori salmon to baked lemon cod to baked teriyaki salmon to grilled haddock.

    The great thing about blackened fish is you can use so many different types - from cod to mahi-mahi to catfish to redfish to trout... you get the picture.

    Today was about cod though. One of the benefits about fish is it cooks so quickly. This recipe can be ready in 10 minutes - it is that easy. And if you don't love the mix of spices I used, try your own or look at the thousands of blackening seasonings out there!

    And while the blackened cod is great on its own, the corn mango salsa puts it over the top.

    Why the Recipe Works

    • Quick and easy to prepare - this is mentioned above but you can literally have this fish done in 10 minutes. You just rub the spice ingredients on it and cook in the skillet until done.
    • Healthy - cod is packed with protein and low in calories.
    • Loaded with flavor - the homemade spice mixture is both a little sweet and spicy, complementing the cod perfectly.
    Jump to:
    • Why the Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Side Dish Options
    • Equipment
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Seafood Recipes
    • Blackened Cod
    blackened cod with corn mango salsa on plate with dish towel

    Ingredient Notes

    • Salsa - I like to make a fresh corn mango salsa to go on top, but you can also buy something from to store or give this corn mango salsa a try.
    • Cod - when it comes to fish, I always go for wild caught if at all possible but farm-raised works too.
    • Spices - the combination of sugar and spices helps create that blackening crust and brings a little heat to the fish.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of how to make blackened cod

    Mix the sugar and spices in a bowl and rub into the fish.

    Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and cook the fish for 4 minutes per side or until done.

    FAQs

    Is Cod Healthy to Eat?

    While cod is lower in healthy omega fats than some fish like salmon, it still has plenty of benefits, including:

    • High in lean protein
    • Good source of B vitamins
    • Rich in phosphorus and selenium
    • Low in mercury

    Do I Have to Make My Own Blackened Seasoning?

    No. Every grocery store sells blackened seasoning, but it really is easy to make on your own for this blackened cod.

    What’s the Difference Between Blackened and Grilled?

    Food that is grilled just means it is cooked on a grill, over coals, gas or flame. Food that is blackened is coated with a traditional Cajun seasoning and then on very high heat, usually a cast iron skillet.

    How Do I Know When the Cod is Cooked?

    The easiest way to tell if the cod is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish should flake easily when it's done.

    It will also lose its translucent color. If you want to use an internal thermometer, it should be between 140-145°F.

    How Long Will It Last?

    Blackened cod will last for 3 days if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

    When reheating, just reheat covered in the microwave on 50% power so you don't dry it out.

    Side Dish Options

    While the salsa is a side dish in itself, some other options include:

    • Crispy Roasted Potatoes
    • Southern Dirty Rice
    • Roasted Broccoli
    • Cajun Corn

    Equipment

    The equipment you use is important to how the recipe turns out. What is needed is the following:

    • Skillet/Dutch oven - you want something large enough to fit the fish.
    • Fish spatula - you want a thin/flexible spatula so you can get under and flip the blackened cod.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use wild cod when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better. Frozen cod works fine too but just make sure it is thawed before cooking.
    • If you like a really charred blackening, just cook an extra 2 minutes per side on the stovetop. You won't need to throw in the oven to finish.
    • You know the blackened cod is done when it flakes easily when pressed with a fork.
    overhead shot of blackened cod with corn mango salsa on plate

    Other Seafood Recipes

    • overhead shot of blackened shrimp in skillet
      Blackened Shrimp
    • overhead shot of stir fry made with salmon and veggies in skillet
      Salmon Stir Fry
    • overhead shot of blackened halibut on plate with avocado mango salsa
      Blackened Halibut
    • two spicy shrimp tacos on plate with bowl of corn mango salsa in background
      Spicy Shrimp Tacos

    If you’ve tried this blackened cod recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    overhead shot of blackened cod with corn mango salsa on plate
    Print Recipe
    5 from 15 votes

    Blackened Cod

    If you're looking for an easy fish recipe that is loaded with flavor, then this cod that is blackened and topped with corn mango salsa is for you.
    Prep Time2 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 138kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 lb fresh cod
    • 2 teaspoon light brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • corn mango salsa

    Instructions

    • In small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Rub the seasoning into the fish, making sure it's entirely coated.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in large skillet. Add fish to skillet and cook for 4 minutes per side or until blackened. Remove from skillet and top with corn mango salsa.

    Notes

    • Use wild cod when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better. Frozen cod works fine too but just make sure it is thawed before cooking.
    • If you like a really charred blackening, just cook an extra 2 minutes per side on the stovetop. You won't need to throw in the oven to finish.
    • You know the fish is done when it flakes easily when pressed with a fork.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Comments

    1. David says

      August 08, 2018 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      I made the blackened cod and mango salsa. Very simple preparation. It was delicious-actually used it for fish tacos. My wife also gave it a thumbs up!

      Reply
    2. Chris says

      August 01, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      That salsa looks amazing!

      Reply
    3. Vincent Generoso says

      August 04, 2019 at 7:21 am

      The fish is 138 cal. but how much is the salsa?

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        August 04, 2019 at 8:23 am

        204 calories per serving - https://www.chiselandfork.com/corn-mango-salsa/

        Reply
    4. Rachel says

      October 29, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      Can you use frozen cod fillets?

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        October 29, 2019 at 6:01 pm

        Yes I would just thaw overnight in the fridge or place in a bag and submerge in cold water for an hour.

        Reply
    5. Leslie says

      June 11, 2020 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      So easy and so fast! I used thawed, frozen cod. Added a chopped fresh mango to Trader Joe's Chile Corn Relish. We gave it a 6 out of 5 stars!
      Thinking about other uses for the rub

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        June 11, 2020 at 11:20 am

        Awesome! I've used the rub on shrimp as well and works great.

        Reply
    6. Michelle says

      January 06, 2021 at 8:08 pm

      5 stars
      So good and easy! Even my picky 1 year old son loved it!

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        January 06, 2021 at 8:10 pm

        Definitely easy and tasty!

        Reply
    7. Gretchen says

      January 09, 2021 at 10:58 pm

      I already know how to make blackened fish; I clicked on this for the corn mango salsa recipe but sadly it's not included. 🙁 It looks good though

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        January 10, 2021 at 7:00 am

        You can find it here.

        Reply

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