3 Easy Blackened Fish Recipes
Temperatures are rising outside—so why not spice things up in the kitchen? Blackened seafood recipes are an easy way to make your summer weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable. The blackening technique is easy to master—even for novice cooks—and is a perfect option for those last-minute dinners since blackened fish recipes generally don’t call for fancy ingredients or long cooking times.
In this article, we’ll show you three simple blackened fish recipes you can make in under 30 minutes for the perfect quick dinner or dish for that summer barbecue you agreed to cook for. Now, let’s get cooking.
What is Blackened fish?
Blackening is a cooking method that has been around for centuries. It originated in Louisiana and was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s.
How to Make Blackened Fish
To blacken fish or meat, coat the top of your food with a special blend of butter or oil, herbs, and spices. After coating, transfer it to a hot cast-iron skillet.
The spices you choose are entirely up to you—although some popular choices for blackened fish seasoning include garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and good ol’ salt and pepper. This technique produces a crusty, flavorful outer layer on meat or fish that can be used as the base of many different dishes.
Quick and Easy Blackened Fish Recipes
School’s out, so that means more time cooking up go-to summertime family favorites. Add these three blackened fish recipes to your cookbook to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress your friends at your next weekend cookout.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
- SERVINGS: 4-6
- PREP TIME: 15 minutes
- COOK TIME: 5-7 minutes
Make every day Taco Tuesday count this summer with our tangy Blackened Shrimp Tacos recipe. The best part? They’re super easy to make. To cook this summertime staple, mix avocado salsa using our El Capitan Baja Chili Citrus Taco Seasoning & Rub by following our step-by-step blackened shrimp recipe.
In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with Notorious P.I.G. meat rub for the perfect blackened flavor that will win over even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy these blackened shrimp tacos with freshly squeezed lime and refreshing drinks to get through those hot nights.
Blackened Shrimp With Cotija Polenta
- SERVINGS: 4-6
- PREP TIME: 5 minutes
- COOK TIME: 15 minutes
Nothing screams “comfort food” like a bowl of blackened shrimp and grits. Luckily, you can incorporate this family favorite into your weeknights and weekends. Add a touch of Southern comfort to your summer menu with our fun spin on classic shrimp and grits.
Whether you need a quick dinner or craving some weekend comfort, you can create this delicious polenta dish by adding our King Shallot seasoning blend with a generous amount of Notorious P.I.G. meat rub. Plate the polenta and top with your perfectly blackened shrimp for a quick, easy, and elevated weeknight dinner that will give your tastebuds something to talk about.
Blackened Salmon Recipe
- SERVINGS: 2
- PREP TIME: 2 minutes
- COOK TIME: 8 minutes
There’s nothing quite like the flavorful crust of a tender blackened salmon. Make this dish a weeknight winner or weekend go-to by following our blackened salmon recipe for a perfectly seared blackened salmon.
To cook a blackened salmon, you’ll need a mix of olive oil, herbs, and a special blend of spices using ½ cup of our Notorious P.I.G. meat rub seasoning. Generously season the top of the salmon with your spices and place it face-down on a well-oiled skillet. You’ll be savoring the moment you cut your fork into the delicious black crust to reveal a perfectly pink salmon.
This dish can also be substituted with cod or any other fish you want to blacken. It makes for an amazing blackened tilapia recipe for example!
What to Serve with Blackened Fish
There are plenty of viable side dishes that will compliment your blackened masterpiece. Pair your blackened shrimps with a spritz of lime and a side salad, or serve blackened salmon on a bed of asparagus followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Other side dish suggestions include:
- Pasta or rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Leafy greens
Don’t Forget the Seasoning
Blackened fish seasoning is one of the most important steps in cooking any type of blackened fish recipe. Whether it is a steak, chicken, or fish fillet, seasoning can make all the difference and it's the same for blackened fish.
Equip your pantry with all the right ingredients by shopping our extensive seasoning collection. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t mastered the art of cooking fish—with a little know-how and a touch of our spice blends and rubs, you’ll be cooking up dishes that will have your friends begging for the recipe. Luckily, you can point them in our direction. Explore our easy-to-follow recipes, mixes, spices, and seasonings at PS Seasonings today.
