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    Home » Mains

    Easy Cajun Blackened Fish Recipe

    Originally Published: Jun 27, 2018 · Last Updated: Jul 6, 2020 by Ann · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    1.9K shares
    • 42
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cajun blackened fish recipe over rice, on a plate
    Blackened fish recipe over rice, on a plate
    Cajun blackened fish recipe over rice, on a plate

    An easy homemade Cajun seasoning makes this blackened fish recipe ultra-flavorful. In tacos, in a sandwich, on a salad, or on its own with rice, it's a simple meal that everyone will love!

    A couple of weeks ago, Phil went to New Orleans on business. I've already waxed nostalgic about New Orleans plenty of times (see chicken, shrimp and sausage jambalaya and bananas foster crepes), so I won't bore you again,  but let's just say that I was pretty green with envy. He was kind(?) enough to send me pictures as he strolled through the streets of the French Quarter, wandering by charming cafes we'd visited.

    Quick disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. I will never recommend anything I don't personally use and love!

    Cajun blackened fish recipe over rice on a plate

    When he came back he told me all about the food he'd eaten, including a great meal of blackened fish he'd had at K-Paul's. Since I'd never made blackened fish at home before, I figured this would be a great time to try it myself. It turned out to be as easy as can be, and the dreaded smoke detector didn't even go off!

    If you've never had blackened fish, it's basically fish that's been liberally sprinkled with a Cajun spice blend and pan-fried so that the spices get nice and toasted without getting burnt. It looks pretty dark in photos but trust me, there is no burnt taste at all.

    I served it with a simple rice pilaf, but it's also great in tacos and sandwiches. Next time, I plan to try it with this brown butter sauce.

    Overhead view of Cajun blackened fish recipe with rice on a plate

    How to Make Blackened Fish

    As per tradition, I used my trusty Lodge cast iron skillet for this recipe. Since the pan needs to get really hot, I think cast iron is essential here.

    First, mix up a simple Cajun seasoning. Don't worry, it's nothing exotic, you most likely have all of these spices already. Then sprinkle the fish on both sides with a liberal amount of seasoning, patting it on so it adheres well.

    Heat a large pan over high heat, add some vegetable oil and sear the fish for a few minutes on each side until dark but not burnt.

    Process shots for Cajun Blackened Fish Recipe

    What Kind of Fish to Use for this Blackened Fish Recipe

    I used rock fish for this blackened fish recipe, although the technique could absolutely be used with pretty much any fish. Firm, flaky white fish like snapper, cod, haddock, or halibut would work just as well, and I've seen recipes that use salmon too.

    Cajun blackened fish recipe over rice pilaf on a plate

    Sound good to you? If you make this recipe, I would be thrilled if you would take a pic and tag me on Instagram @ourhappymess!

    Or pin for later!

    And if you're looking for more easy dinner inspiration, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Or subscribe in the sidebar on the right to get every new recipe in your inbox 🙂

    Products I Used to Make this Cajun Blackened Fish Recipe

    [amazon_link asins='B00006JSUA,B004T6J5XY|B00006JSUA,B004T6J5XY' template='ProductCarouselWithoutHeader' store='ourhappymes00-20|ourhappymes0c-20' marketplace='US|CA' link_id='1e47b1cb-7a74-11e8-83a4-71fe3adef76d']

    Cajun blackened fish recipe on a plate with rice

    Cajun Blackened Fish Recipe

    An easy homemade Cajun seasoning makes this blackened fish recipe ultra-flavorful. In tacos, in a sandwich, on a salad, or on its own with rice, it's a simple meal that everyone will love!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 631kcal
    Author: Ann Otis

    Ingredients

    Rice Pilaf

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • ½ large yellow onion chopped
    • 1 red bell pepper chopped
    • 1 stalk celery chopped
    • 1.5 cups long grain white rice
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

    Blackened Fish

    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 4 rock fish fillets or any firm white fish
    • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Rice Pilaf

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    • Heat a saute pan, or any large heavy pan with a tight-fitting lid, on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter.
    • When the butter has melted, add the chopped onions, peppers and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (4-5 minutes).
    • Stir in the rice, and toast until lightly browned, stirring frequently so it doesn't burn. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, add the salt, and stir.
    • Simmer for 5 minutes on the stove, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. If your lid is not tight-fitting, cover the pan first with a sheet of aluminum foil, and then with the lid, to prevent steam from escaping.
    • Bake 35-40 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

    Blackened Fish

    • While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, salt, thyme, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne.
    • Sprinkle the fish generously with the spices on all sides, patting to make sure they adhere. 
    • Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Add the oil, and place the fillets in the skillet. Work in batches if they do not all fit at once. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side and gently lift a fillet with a spatula to check the color. Once they are a dark brown, flip and cook on the other side for about 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Serve over rice.

    Notes

    Blackened fish recipe slightly adapted from America the Cookbook

    Nutrition

    Calories: 631kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 2916mg | Potassium: 1128mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1865IU | Vitamin C: 51.9mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2.3mg
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    Ann from Our Happy Mess

    I'm Ann and I believe in balanced eating, homemade foods, and DESSERT. I love to cook, but I can't spend all day in the kitchen anymore, so what you'll mostly find here are simple, family-friendly recipes. I'm really happy you're here!
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