Blackened Fish Recipe
User Reviews
5
Blackened Fish Recipe
Description
The Blackened Fish Recipe features fish filets seasoned generously with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper. The seasoning mix imparts a complex, smoky, and savory flavor profile that is enhanced by cooking the fish in butter over medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet. The fish develops a darkened, crisp crust while remaining moist inside. Cooking times vary with filet size, typically 2-3 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature around 145°F.
This dish is suited to serving immediately after cooking to retain its texture and flavor, making it a good choice for seafood dinners paired with simple sides. The method emphasizes not crowding the pan to maintain heat and develop the signature crust. Salt and pepper seasoning just before cooking balances the spice blend.
For less heat, omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version sometimes called bronzed fish. Seasoned fish can rest up to an hour refrigerated to deepen flavor. Using fresh spices and butter browned carefully without smoking helps achieve the ideal blackened effect. Avoid moving the fish during cooking to let the crust set evenly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fish 3-4 filets, filets
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For the Blackened Fish Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or up to 1/2 tsp to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Old Bay, and cayenne pepper (optional) and mix.
- Lay the fish filets flat and sprinkle seasonings on the first side, lightly pat them in, and then sprinkle the remaining seasoning on the back side and pat in. This can sit in the refrigerator for up to an hour seasoned.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat for 2-3 minutes, then reduce to medium high and add the butter.
- Once the butter is melted and starting to brown, but not smoke, season the fish with salt and pepper to taste, then put it flat in the skillet. Do not crowd the skillet. Cook the fish in batches if necessary.
- Let the fish cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving or checking it, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until it reaches the desired doneness, or about 145˚F. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish filets.
- Remove the fish from the skillet (to prevent it from continuing to cook) and serve warm with fresh parsley or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Use the optional cayenne to adjust the spiciness; omit for a milder, kid-friendly version known as bronzed fish.
- Season fish on both sides and allow it to rest refrigerated for up to an hour to enhance flavor absorption.
- Cook fish in a hot cast iron skillet with butter, avoiding overcrowding to develop a proper blackened crust.
- Wait until butter starts to brown slightly but does not smoke before adding fish to maximize flavor without burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4oz | |
| Calories | 174kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 125mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 495mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 688IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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