Today I’ve got another delicious fish recipe for you—something that’s not only delicious but also a breeze to whip up. I’m talking about Blackened Cod with broccoli. This one’s loaded with vibrant flavors, healthy fats, and all those good-for-you nutrients you love from the Mediterranean diet.
Why You Will Love Blackened Cod with Broccoli
You’re Going To Love This
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Why Cod?
I cook with cod fish a lot, which is why I have so many cod recipes and seafood recipes on the blog.
Cod is a light, flaky white fish that’s perfect for cooking with bold spices. Plus, it’s a great source of lean protein and omega-3s, which help keep your heart and brain happy.
When blackened, the cod gets this incredible crust from the spice blend that’s just *chef’s kiss.
The Blackened Cod Seasoning
The seasoning is really what makes this recipe great. All of the flavors of the spices blend together to create this strong flavor that crusts over the fish when cooked at a high heat. There are a lot of blackened seasoning recipes out there that use a ton of different spices, but I wanted to keep it simple and only use what I always have in my pantry:
Out of these spices, the only one that might throw some people for a loop is the Za’atar. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made from a mix of dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, offering a tangy, herbal, and nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to swap it out for dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Roasted Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes
You can’t go wrong with this duo. Broccoli is packed with fiber and antioxidants, and roasting it gives it a slightly crispy, earthy flavor. Pair it with grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, which burst with sweetness when roasted, and you’ve got a simple, but unforgettable side that complements the boldness of the fish.
You can technically roast whatever vegetables that you have on hand for this recipe, you just may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Other Veggies That You Can Roast
Feel free to swap the broccoli and tomatoes for:
Tips for Success
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Blackened Cod with Broccoli
Ingredients
Ingredients For The Blackened Cod
- 1.5 pounds cod fillet (if you have cod loin, see notes)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Za'atar
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for brushing the fish
Ingredients for the broccoli and tomatoes
- 1 large head of broccoli, ripped or cut into small florets (about 2 cups. of florets, you can use more if you like)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and wash and dry the fish. Feel for any bones when rinsing under cold water and remove if you find any.
- Place the broccoli florets on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes.
- While the broccoli is baking, place the fish on a large plate. In a small bowl mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Za'atar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Drizzle the filets with a tiny bit of olive oil and rub it in on both sides with your hands. Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the fish, using your hands to rub it in to cover the entire filet.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium/high heat. Once hot, add in about 2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil. Add the seasoned cod filets, making sure to not over crowd the pan. You will likely have to work in batches to prevent this.
- Cook the cod undisturbed for 3 minutes per side with the heat at about 8/10. At the 3 minute mark, use a spatula to carefully flip the fish, and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. When done, carefully transfer the filets to a clean plate, and add more oil to the pan to continue cooking the rest of the fish.
- When the broccoli hits the 18 minute mark, take the pan out of the oven and toss the broccoli. Add in the tomatoes, and place it back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked fish to a plate with the broccoli and tomatoes and enjoy!