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cajun blackened cod with spiced crust

cajun blackened cod with spiced crust

👨‍🍳 Chefy Tip: Pat again right before seasoning. Press the rub into the fish don't just dust it on. Hot pan — you want it to hiss the second it touches metal. Flip once, flip fast, don't move it around. 🍳 Chefy Tip: Finish the second side with 30 seconds under the broiler instead of more pan time.

Serves
2
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
Calories
220
Carbs
2g
Protein
38g
Fat
6g

Flavor Profile

🔥 Bold and smoky from Cajun blackening spices
🧂 Savory and well-seasoned with garlic and paprika
🌶️ Spicy with a touch of cayenne heat
🐟 Mild and flaky from perfectly cooked cod
🍋 Bright and fresh with a squeeze of lemon

Ingredients

🐟 2 cod fillets (6 oz each)
🛢️ 1 tbsp olive oil
🧂 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
🌶️ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
🧄 1/2 tsp garlic powder
🌿 1/4 tsp dried oregano
🌶️ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
🍋 Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

01

Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.

02

Rub olive oil over both sides of the fish.

03

Mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

04

Coat the fillets evenly with the spice mixture.

05

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

06

Sear the cod for 3-4 minutes per side until a blackened crust forms.

07

Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving.

🧬 Food Science

Blackening as a cooking technique was popularized in the 1980s by Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme. Cod is an excellent source of lean protein and vitamin B12, essential for energy metabolism.

Pair It

🥂 A cold lager or citrus-infused iced tea balances the spice.
🍽️ Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for natural sweetness, or serve with sautéed collard greens.