Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (2024)

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Derrick Riches

Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (1)

Derrick Riches

Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.

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Updated on 01/26/23

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Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (2)

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 10 mins

Servings: 2 servings

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Blackening is a classic Cajun cooking technique that adds complex flavor and dark color to fish. By generously coating the fish fillets in the dry rub seasoning and then frying them in a very hot cast-iron skillet, the spices blacken, making a crusty exterior filled with flavor. This same technique is appropriate for chicken and other seafood like shrimp or scallops. Easy to make, with spices you might already have at hand, this Cajun seasoning is a great ingredient to have as it makes fish fillets delicious. It's also a great addition to other recipes like roasted potatoes or vegetables, creamy salad dressings, dips, or cold pasta salads.

If you're making blackened Cajun fish, any fish will work, from tuna steaks to trout. Although catfish is the most popular, many types of fish can be blackened. Tilapia, salmon, sea bream, red snapper, sea bass, halibut, and cod are also great for this seasoning, and the flavor is so deep that it can also make really delicious fillets of more fishy species like mackerel, sardines, or herring. Thicker, sturdier fish can be grilled, while more delicate varieties should be pan-fried; oven roasting is also a possibility, it all depends on your time frame and taste.

As the spice is very bold in flavor, when using it, side dishes that are cold, creamy, refreshing, and light in flavor make a great counterbalance to the spices in the rub. Coleslaw, fresh corn fritters, cheese grits, and sweet potato fries are great choices. Serve your fish with plenty of lemons wedges for squeezing.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons paprika

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (3)

  2. In a small bowl, mix together all of the seasonings.

    Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (4)

  3. Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

    Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (5)

  4. Enjoy.

How to Use the Seasoning

  • To use the seasoning mix, simply apply a generous amount of rub onto the flesh of the fish. Cook the fish in a hot skillet, flipping once until the flesh is opaque.
  • The mixture can be made into a marinade as well.Add 1/4 cup oil and either 1/3 cup vinegar (white or cider) or citrus juices (orange, lemon, or lime) to a bowl and whisk together with seasoning rub. Marinate fish and shellfish for 20 to 30 minutes maximum. Chicken can sit in the marinade for much longer, up to 12 hours. Cook the fish or chicken in a pan or grill.

Use the Seasoning in Other Recipes

This fish seasoning is so full of flavor that it is a great addition to other recipes as well. Here are a few ideas on how to make the best of this easy-to-make and delicious spice rub:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of fish seasoning to 1 1/2 cups of full-fat Greek yogurt. Mix well, stirring in 1/4 cup of olive oil, a squeeze of a lime, and salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish, or used as a creamy salad dressing.
  • Combine 1 tablespoon of fish seasoning with 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese. Add a few chile flakes on top and serve with tortilla chips or crudités.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of the seasoning when sautéing onions to make sauces, stews, or soups. Alternatively, when using store-bought soups, add a pinch of the seasoning to each bowl right before serving to add a touch of flavor.
  • Blend a handful of cilantro and a handful of basil, without stems, with 3/4 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the fish seasoning, 2 cloves of garlic, the squeeze of a lime, and salt and pepper to taste. Add a tablespoon of water, if needed, and blend to make a thick herby paste. This sauce can be used on top of carne asada, grilled chicken, fried fish, potatoes, or vegetables. Or use as a quick marinade for beef, chicken, fish, or pork.

Cajun Gumbo Recipe

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
50Calories
2g Fat
10g Carbs
2g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories50
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g2%
Saturated Fat 0g2%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1066mg46%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 5g19%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 3mg17%
Calcium 96mg7%
Iron 5mg28%
Potassium 285mg6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • rub
  • cajun
  • cookout
  • spice mix

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Cajun Blackening Spice Recipe for Fish (2024)

FAQs

What is blackening seasoning made of? ›

Blackening seasoning is a combination of chili powders, herbs, and spices. Most recipes include some combination of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.

What is the difference between Cajun spice and blackening spice? ›

Cajun seasoning is rooted in Louisianna and consists of a base of garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. It is often combined with several other dried herbs and spices. Blackened seasoning is also rooted in Louisianna and adds paprika, oregano, thyme, and several varieties of pepper.

What is in Cajuns choice blackened seasoning? ›

All natural spices (including Paprika, Peppers [red, black, white], Oregano), Salt, Onion, and Garlic. Does NOT contain MSG.

Is it better to blacken fish in butter or oil? ›

Although both tasted delicious, I give butter the slight edge here. It came off of the cast iron skillet easier and helped the fish stay more intact. However, if you have allergies, are watching your cholesterol, or prefer healthier fats, then using olive oil is a fine choice and tasted very similar to butter.

Is blackened fish healthy? ›

Keep it Healthy: Frying seafood with a breaded coating is a popular way to cook fish, but not the healthiest choice. The cooking technique known as "blackening," however, provides a lot of flavor to fish (or poultry or meat), but with little sodium and no saturated fat.

Can I use Cajun seasoning instead of blackening seasoning? ›

Is blackening seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning? They're very similar and can often be used interchangeably. Cajun seasoning tends to be spicier than blackened, although much of that depends on the recipe and how much cayenne is added.

Are Creole and blackening seasoning the same? ›

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN CAJUN, CREOLE AND BLACKENED SEASONINGS? Cajun spice tends to be more spicy, Creole seasoning includes a blend of herbs and blackened seasoning tends to fall somewhere in between.

Is Cajun Spice same as Old Bay? ›

In a word: No. While Cajun seasoning comes in many varieties, Old Bay is a specific brand, though you can make our Old Bay copycat recipe at home. Most Cajun seasoning blends are spicier than Old Bay, and Old Bay contains ingredients like bay leaf, celery salt, and mustard that aren't usually in Cajun spice blends.

Can Old Bay be used as blackened seasoning? ›

Is blackening seasoning the same as old bay? No, the two are different blends of spices.

Is blackened food Cajun or Creole? ›

Blackening is a cooking technique used in the preparation of fish and other foods. Often associated with Cajun cuisine, this technique was invented and popularized by chef Paul Prudhomme.

What spices are in Old Bay blackened seasoning? ›

Ingredients : 'SPICES (INCLUDING PAPRIKA, CELERY SEED, RED PEPPER), SALT, SUGAR & CARAMEL COLOR. '

Can I use olive oil to blacken fish? ›

White Fish – I used basa fillets. Select firm and fresh white fish fillets such as basa, cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut. If fresh fish is not available, use defrosted frozen fillets. Oil – I use olive oil but feel free to use other neutral oils or even some melted butter.

Do you put olive oil on fish before seasoning? ›

Season both sides of the fish (since the salt doesn't get absorbed after frying) and drizzle the filet with olive oil (don't be afraid to keep adding more!), continuing to season with salt and pepper along every step of the way.

Can you blacken fish without a cast iron skillet? ›

Also, hot skillet works fine, no need for cast iron.

Can I use Old Bay instead of blackened seasoning? ›

No, the two are different blends of spices. Old Bay seasoning is made with celery salt, paprika, red pepper, black pepper, and other spices. How do you make something blackened?

What is the difference between Creole and blackened seasoning? ›

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN CAJUN, CREOLE AND BLACKENED SEASONINGS? Cajun spice tends to be more spicy, Creole seasoning includes a blend of herbs and blackened seasoning tends to fall somewhere in between.

Why is it called blackening seasoning? ›

What Is Blackening Food? Food that is blackened isn't burnt; it's simply coated in a special spice blend that takes on a very dark brown, almost black color when cooked in a skillet, on a grill or in an oven.

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